THE CAFE FEELS wrong. The regulars already know. I don't even know how they do because I didn't tell them. But, they know and Hazel, the waitress who always waits our table, knows. She tries to smile but the empty space beside me feels like an elephant standing in the middle of the room.
“Here we go." Hazel hands us all our coffees and then there is a cup of hot water and a tea bag on her tray and her hands freeze as she goes for it.
“Um… will—will that be all for now?" Her smile is a terrible mix of embarrassment and sadness.
“We're good, thanks, Hazel." Alex saves Hazel from further mistakes. He drinks his coffee.
“I'm so sorry for your loss." A woman behind us says. I recognize her but, unlike Lana, I don't know her name.
“Thank you." Alex speaks up before I have to say anything. I
