The coffee shop was busy that afternoon—the usual rush of students cramming for exams, freelancers typing away on laptops, regulars ordering their predictable drinks.
Leo moved behind the counter with practiced ease, steaming milk, pulling espresso shots, wiping down surfaces between orders.
It felt good to be back. Familiar. Grounding.
"Leo, two cappuccinos when you're ready!" Aiden called from the register.
"On it."
Leo worked quickly, the rhythm of it soothing measure, tamp, pull, steam.
The hiss of the espresso machine, the clink of ceramic cups, the low hum of conversation around him.
It was the kind of work that let his mind wander without losing focus.
The steady rhythm grounded him amid the chaos of clattering cups and murmured conversations.
Steam curled upward like whispered secrets, carrying the rich aroma of freshly ground beans that always calmed his racing thoughts.
And lately, his mind wandered to the same place.
Alex.
