The sun slipped low over Maple Hollow, bathing the town in a soft amber light. The day's rush had quieted — the smell of roasted beans still hung faintly in the air from Hannah's café, but now the streets were calm, dotted with people heading home or walking their dogs.
Emma lingered outside the café for a moment before stepping in. The last few customers were finishing up, their laughter soft and familiar. Hannah stood behind the counter, wiping it down, her hair tied back in a loose braid. She looked up when Emma entered, her smile gentle and tired in the best way.
"You're just in time," Hannah said. "Closing shift reward — leftover pastries."
Emma grinned. "How could I ever say no to that?"
They sat at one of the corner tables, sharing the last croissant and two mugs of tea. The café lights glowed warm against the growing dusk. Outside, the reflection of the streetlights shimmered faintly in the window, and for a long moment, neither of them spoke — just the quiet comfort of being there.
Hannah exhaled softly. "Today felt… steady. Peaceful. It's been a long time since I've had a day like that."
Emma nodded. "It's strange, isn't it? How something as simple as coffee and good company can make everything else fade away."
Hannah leaned back, looking at her with that thoughtful expression Emma had come to know — a mix of gratitude and wonder. "You make it sound so easy."
"Maybe it is," Emma said. "Maybe it's supposed to be."
The clock on the wall ticked quietly as the café dimmed around them. Hannah got up to turn the sign to Closed and flipped off the main lights, leaving only the soft glow of the window lamps.
Emma rose too, her voice low. "I'll walk you home."
Hannah hesitated for a beat, then nodded. Outside, the night air was cool, and the town hummed softly — the sound of cicadas, a distant car, a porch light flickering on. They walked side by side, their steps unhurried, shoulders occasionally brushing.
When they reached Hannah's porch, she paused, her eyes catching the soft lamplight. "Thank you. For today."
Emma smiled. "You don't have to thank me. I just wanted to be here."
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hold its breath. Then Hannah reached for her hand, fingers brushing lightly before she whispered, "Goodnight, Emma."
"Goodnight," Emma said, her voice almost a whisper too.
As Hannah stepped inside, Emma lingered at the edge of the porch, watching the door close softly behind her — a quiet, perfect ending to a peaceful day.