By the time the sun rose over the city, Maya was already halfway into her apron and pouring coffee for the early shift crowd.
Sunday mornings were always heavy, but today felt different. She welcomed the noise, the motion, the distraction. A coworker had called in sick, and when the manager offered overtime, she’d volunteered without hesitation.
Six extra hours. Double shift.
More time on her feet. Less time to think.
More money in her pocket — and right now, that meant everything.
The café buzzed with energy. People came and went in waves — business types, young couples, tired moms clutching their phones like lifelines. Maya smiled through it all, sleeves rolled up, hands working fast, mind only halfway there.
Every time the door chimed open, her eyes flicked toward it without meani
