Emily led Adam down an alleyway, onto a quiet, small road near the city's outskirts. The path, which might feel eerie to most, was unusually peaceful for them, given their familiarity with the creatures of the night. In the distance, a brightly lit cafe glowed, a beacon in the dark.
"This is it, the cafe I've been wanting to bring you to," Emily said, pointing.
"It's really a far walk from the city. I wasn't sure why you wanted to come here," Adam replied.
"You'll see once you enter," Emily stated mysteriously.
Adam stepped into the cafe, the sudden brightness a stark contrast to the outdoor darkness. He observed the nearly empty cafe, with only two other patrons seated separately. The owner greeted them warmly as Adam and Emily found a seat. Soft, calming music filled the air, relaxing their minds.
"How are you feeling?" Emily asked.
"Hmm, not sure. I just feel calm. There's mana around the cafe," Adam stated.
"Wow, very perceptive. Get yourself ready for the experience," Emily said. Adam was confused; other than the calm ambiance and the mana, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"Would you like your moonlight dessert? The usual?" the owner asked.
"Yes, the usual. It's his first time here, so I'm anticipating his reaction," Emily replied. The owner smiled at Adam before returning to his station.
A sound began, faint at first, then growing louder: "Drip, drip, drip." The sound became slower and louder, and the cafe's ambiance and music slowly faded.
Both Emily and Adam looked at each other. The cafe lights dimmed, and small orbs began to float around them, illuminating the room. Adam looked around as the area beyond their immediate circumference grew darker, with the orbs swirling around them.
Suddenly, the orbs moved horizontally, stretching out. Adam felt as if they were moving rapidly past them.
Then, out of nowhere, both Emily and Adam felt the breeze and atmosphere of the outdoors. Adam looked around, realizing they were now on a beach, with the moon appearing incredibly large and close to the earth. The cafe music returned, and their desserts were placed on tables before them.
"What's happening? Did we teleport?" Adam asked.
"Look around, does anything feel weird?" Emily inquired.
"It feels like we're outdoors, but somehow it doesn't feel real," Adam explained.
"Let's just enjoy the dessert. Look at the moon and stars. Isn't it beautiful?" Emily stated.
Adam looked, feeling as if they were in a dream. The moon and stars were so close, brightly illuminating the beach.
Both Adam and Emily tasted the dessert: a creamy white jelly with caramelized sugar. The texture was smooth and creamy, with pops of chocolate bursting in their mouths as the cream slowly melted.
"We're at my homeworld. This is a memory of where I'm born," Emily explained.
"We're in your memory?" Adam asked.
"Yes and no. This place is a memory recreated in a pocket dimension. The owner has the ability to use people's memories to create this beautiful art in his pocket dimension," Emily explained. Adam was surprised that the place they were in was a pocket dimension created from Emily's memories.
"You missed your original world?" Adam asked.
"Not really. It's just that I wanted you to see my original world. I don't remember why, but this place keeps me calm, like it's calling me," Emily stated.
As they both continued enjoying their dessert, Adam moved his hand closer to Emily's, touching it, and looked to where Emily was staring. Emily was gazing at the moon, and Adam found himself hypnotized by its beauty as well. Adam continued eating the dessert while they both stared at the moon's beauty.
"I love you, Adam," Emily said.
"I love you too. This place is as beautiful as you," Adam said sincerely.
After finishing their dessert, Emily led Adam to sit on the sand with her, and they both lay down watching the moon. Slowly, as they hugged each other, they closed their eyes.
Adam opened his eyes as things became blurry. He looked in front of him and saw Emily sitting on the chair across from him. He realized they were both back inside the cafe.
"Did you enjoy your dessert?" the owner asked.
"It's tasty and addictive, just like your art piece," Emily stated.
"Thank you, Emily. Hope it lightened your burden," the owner said, smiling before returning to his station.
"I'm glad you enjoyed this cafe. I've been wanting to bring you here ever since I got my memories back," Emily said.
"I really enjoyed it. I love knowing more about you and your original world," Adam said.