The café's glass windows framed the soft glow of afternoon sun, spilling golden light across polished tables and steaming mugs. The place buzzed with energy, but in the corner booth, laughter bubbled easily as Mia, Clara, and Lena leaned together over their drinks.
"This latte is heavenly," Lena sighed, taking another slow sip. "Remind me why we don't do this every day?"
"Because if we did, you'd be broke in a week," Clara teased, flicking a sugar packet at her.
Mia grinned at their banter, warmth spreading through her as she finally felt the tension of the week ease. Still, her eyes drifted to the fourth cup on the table — untouched, growing cold. Ava's cup.
"Think she's buried in those files by now?" Clara asked, following Mia's gaze.
"Probably," Mia said, rolling her eyes but with a fond smile tugging at her lips. "You know Ava. If she says she has to finish something, she'll sit there until her eyes cross."
Lena giggled, resting her chin in her hand. "I can picture her now — surrounded by papers, biting her lip, glaring at the pages like they're her mortal enemy."
That image sent them all into another fit of laughter. Even Clara joined in, shaking her head. "Honestly, she could've used this break. But… she'll catch up with us later."
The conversation moved from classes to professors, from music to whispered crushes. They shared pastries, trading bites and mock complaints when Mia finished the last of the cinnamon roll. Yet no matter how full the air was with their chatter, Ava's absence lingered quietly, a thread woven into each pause.
"I hope she's not overworking herself," Lena murmured once, almost to herself.
Mia reached for her coffee, her voice steady but thoughtful. "She's stronger than she looks. Still… I'll check on her tonight."
The girls clinked their cups together, laughter spilling once more, their little world glowing with light and warmth. But in the middle of it all, there was always that invisible seat at the table — the one they saved for Ava.