The bar was still quiet, resting in that brief window between night and day. Only a few early customers occupied the tables—men nursing coffee instead of alcohol, scrolling through their phones, waiting for the day to begin. The soft hum of the espresso machine filled the space, steady and comforting, blending with the faint clink of cups and saucers.
Kristina had returned.
Lukas's wife stood behind the counter, warm and bright as always, her laughter filling the room as naturally as the aroma of coffee. She had just come back from visiting her sick mother, and the bar seemed more alive with her presence. Lukas moved beside her with practiced ease, the two of them working in quiet harmony.
They had been married for ten years. This bar was more than a business—it was their home, their shared creation, the thing they had built together and protected through long nights and lean months.
And they were the ones who saved me when I ran away, Laura thought as she watched them. They gave me a job. A place to sleep. Food when I had nothing. I owe them more than I can ever say.
"Laura!" Lukas called from behind the counter. "Table four needs wiping."
"Got it!" she answered quickly, already grabbing a cloth and tray.
She moved briskly between the tables, wiping surfaces, straightening chairs. Her body went through the motions automatically, but her mind drifted elsewhere. Every now and then, a small smile appeared on her face without her noticing.
When she returned to the counter, Kristina slipped an arm around her shoulders.
"How have you been, sweetheart?" she asked warmly. "No one bothered you while I was gone?"
Laura smiled—a little too big, a little too bright to be completely innocent.
"Everything's wonderful."
Lukas noticed immediately. He raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching.
"Oooh," he said slowly, "I know that face."
Laura froze.
"You're thinking about Tomas, aren't you?"
Kristina blinked, turning to Lukas. "And who's Tomas?"
Lukas grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "Laura's guy. The second she thinks of him, she lights up like the sun."
"Shut up!" Laura squeaked, her face heating instantly.
Lukas burst out laughing. Kristina leaned closer, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Well, well," she said. "Come on—tell me."
Laura fiddled with the edge of her apron, suddenly unsure where to look. "He… let me stay at his place," she began. "He's actually really kind, even though he looks cold at first. He works all kinds of jobs. And he used to study medicine…"
Lukas nodded thoughtfully. "He came here a couple of times. Serious type, but… yeah. Good guy."
Kristina tilted her head, smiling. "Interesting. So when are you bringing him to meet us?"
"Oh, stop it!" Laura nearly cried, mortified. Then, quickly changing the subject, she added, "By the way… can I take tomorrow and the day after off?"
Lukas and Kristina exchanged a look.
Then identical, mischievous smiles appeared on their faces.
"A date?" Lukas asked.
"No!" Laura protested too quickly. "I just… have things to do."
"Of course you do," Kristina said gently. "Take both days. The weather's supposed to be beautiful."
Laura blushed all the way down to her collarbones and hurried back to work, her heart pounding.
But her thoughts were far away.
What is Tomas doing right now? Is he okay?
She pulled out her phone during a quiet moment and typed:
How are you? 😊
She waited.
One hour passed. Nothing.
Another hour. Still nothing.
By the third hour, her phone finally buzzed. She nearly dropped the tray she was carrying.
Tomas:
Sorry, just saw this. I was busy. I was supposed to work at the factory, but on the way… I got another temporary job. The pay's good, and now I'll have more free days since I didn't go to the factory. How are you? 😊
Laura's smile spread uncontrollably.
She replied at once:
Kristina came back, so things are easier for me too. And—tomorrow and the day after, I can take days off! Does that work? 😊
The reply came almost immediately.
Tomas:
Perfect. Then I'll plan the whole day tomorrow. 😉
Her cheeks burned.
Kristina walked past, noticed the pink glow on Laura's face, and stopped.
"Well?" she asked knowingly. "Care to share what's so interesting on your phone?"
Laura rushed over. "Help me! We're spending the whole day in the city and I have no idea what to wear!"
Kristina laughed openly. "First date?"
"Dat— I— I don't know! Maybe!"
"Figure out what you're doing first," Kristina said. "Then choose clothes."
Laura typed quickly:
Could you tell me what we'll be doing tomorrow so I know how to dress? 😊
Tomas:
Warmer clothes for walking and for the evening. As for the restaurant… I don't have anything to wear either. Want to go shopping together?
She answered:
Perfect! I've got warm clothes. And shopping together sounds great ☺️
Kristina smirked. "Well?"
"He said warm clothes for walking and evening. And we'll shop together for the restaurant."
"That Tomas is smart," Kristina joked. "But he still has work to do if he wants me to like him."
Lukas leaned out from the back. "Laura, you can go home. We've got this. Go get ready for your date."
"It's NOT a date!" she protested again.
"Of course it's not," they said in unison, laughing.
"All right," Laura said, smiling despite herself. "See you the day after tomorrow!"
---
On the Way Home
She texted Tomas as she stepped outside.
I just finished work and I'm heading home. When will you be back?
Home. The word settled warmly in her chest.
Then a chill ran down her spine.
A black car was moving slowly behind her. The same one she had seen parked near the bar earlier.
No. Not now. Don't lead them to the apartment.
Laura ducked into a store, pretending to browse the shelves.
Her phone buzzed.
Tomas:
I'll finish a few things and head back.
She replied quickly:
All right. I'll wait. I'll cook dinner 😊
She grabbed chicken, vegetables, spices.
"A stew," she decided.
When she stepped back outside, the car was gone.
Maybe I imagined it…
She hurried home, unpacked the groceries, and began cooking. Soon the apartment filled with the warm, comforting scent of stew.
The door clicked.
Tomas stepped inside, smiling wide.
"Perfect timing," Laura said proudly. "I just finished cooking!"
He inhaled deeply. His stomach growled loudly.
She laughed.
Then she noticed his shirt—torn.
"What happened? Why is it ripped?"
"Let's eat first," he said calmly. "Then I'll tell you."
They sat. Tomas ate like he hadn't seen food in days.
"It's really good," he said sincerely. "I want you to cook more often."
"Deal," she replied softly.
After dinner, he told her everything—the alley, the wounded man, the improvised treatment.
Laura listened quietly. "The important thing is that you're safe."
Tomas smiled.
"By the way," he added, "I rented a car for tomorrow. Take whatever you want for the day."
Later, as they finished cleaning, he said: "Tomorrow morning we eat, get ready, and head out. All right?"
"All right," she answered.
They went to their rooms.
Neither slept. Both lay awake, hearts beating faster than usual—
thinking about the same thing.
Tomorrow.