AT AROUND FIVE IN THE EVENING
ISABELLA
Closing shift always leaves a strange quiet behind it. The cafe emptied in layers, chairs pushed in, lights dimmed, the smell of coffee cooling into something softer. By the time I untied my apron, my shoulders finally started to relax. I stepped outside with my bag slung over one shoulder, night air cool against my skin, when I felt it, that familiar pull, like the story tightening a string around my spine.
"Isabella." Xavier's voice came from my left.
I stopped walking anyway, of course I did. When I turn, he's leaning against the brick wall like this was casual, like he didn't time it down to the second I stepped outside. Jacket draped over his arm. Expression neutral in that way, which means he's already halfway through the conversation in his head.
"We need to talk." He said.
Not can we, not are you okay, need to talk.
"I am going home." I said. I adjusted the strap of my bag, grounding myself in the motion. "I am done for today."
