Today has been a mess.

Meetings that ran too long, deadlines that came too fast, an inbox overflowing with emails that all seemed to need my attention immediately. By the time I finally leave the office, my head is pounding, and I just want to go home.

But instead, I find myself here.

I don’t know why. I could’ve just grabbed coffee from the place near work, the one with the overpriced drinks and efficient service. But something about this café—about him—makes me take the longer route.

I park outside, sit in my car for a second, fingers drumming against the wheel. I could still turn around. Drive home. Pretend I don’t keep doing this.

Instead, I step inside, and there he is.

He’s busy behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, that familiar focused expression on his face. I don’t think he even sees me. But then, in the middle of whatever he’s doing, he smiles.

And for some reason, it makes the weight in my chest feel just a little lighter.

I settle into my usual table, pulling a post-it from my notepad before I can talk myself out of it.

"Rough day today. Your smile made it feel a little lighter. Just thought you should know."

- J

I press the note down beside my cup, push back my chair, and leave without looking back.

The cold air bites as I step outside. I slide into my car, hands gripping the steering wheel, staring at the café through the windshield.

And for the first time today, I feel like I can breathe again.