HE CAME TO MY CAFÉ TO DISAPPEAR

Chapter 1: The Stranger in the Rain The rain had been falling since dawn. By evening, the narrow dirt road leading into Maple Creek Village had become a river of mud, leaving the small countryside café unusually quiet. Lena wiped the last table with a faded kitchen towel before glancing at the old clock hanging above the counter. 8:47 p.m. Only one customer remained, an elderly farmer sipping the last of his coffee while chatting with two village women. “Looks like another slow day,” Lena sighed as she counted the cash in the register. Just enough to pay for tomorrow’s flour. Not enough to repair the leaking roof. She forced herself to smile anyway. As long as Sunflower Café was still standing, she would never give up. Just as she reached for the wooden sign that read CLOSED, the café door creaked open. A cold gust of wind swept inside. Every conversation stopped. A tall man stepped through the doorway. His white shirt was soaked by the rain. Dark hair clung to his forehead. A worn backpack hung over one shoulder, looking strangely out of place on someone who carried himself with quiet confidence. He looked around the café before his eyes settled on the empty seat by the window. Without saying a word, he walked over and sat down. The villagers exchanged curious glances. Nobody in Maple Creek had ever seen him before. Lena approached with her usual smile. “What can I get for you?” His voice was calm but tired. “A cup of your strongest coffee.” She nodded and disappeared behind the counter. A few minutes later, she placed a steaming mug in front of him. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. He wrapped both hands around the cup as though it were the first warmth he’d felt in days. After finishing every drop, he finally looked up. “How much?” “Five dollars.” He reached into his pocket. Then another. His expression changed. For the first time since entering the café, he looked… uncomfortable. Slowly, he pulled out a sleek black card and placed it on the table. “I only have this.” Lena blinked. Then laughed softly. “I’m sorry.” She pointed toward the old cash box beside the register. “We don’t have a card machine.” Silence. The elderly farmer chuckled. One of the village women covered her mouth to hide a smile. The stranger stared at the black card in his hand as though it had betrayed him. For the first time in his life… It was completely useless. Lena folded her arms. “So…” “How are you planning to pay for your coffee?”