The bells above the door rang softly the next morning, but this time, Chris felt a sense of apprehension. After the tense encounter with Derek the previous day, he couldn't shake his worry for Alphonso. When Alphonso walked in, Chris noticed the forced brightness in his eyes and the tightness in his smile.

"Morning, Alphonso," Chris greeted, trying to sound casual. "The usual?"

Alphonso nodded, his smile faltering slightly. "Yes, please. The usual."

As Chris prepared the vanilla cinnamon latte, he noticed Alphonso choose a seat by the window this time, his posture more guarded than usual. Chris finished the drink and brought it over himself, eager for a chance to talk to Alphonso and make sure he was alright.

"Here you go," Chris said, placing the cup in front of Alphonso. "How are you doing today?"

Alphonso looked up, his smile wavering but holding. "I'm doing fine, thanks, Chris."

Chris hesitated, then sat down across from Alphonso. "Look, if you ever need to talk about anything, I'm here. Yesterday seemed... tense."

Alphonso's smile tightened, and he shook his head. "Derek is a great guy, really. He's just protective, you know? He cares a lot about me."

Chris's heart sank. He could see the fear behind Alphonso's words, the way his eyes darted around nervously, as if expecting Derek to appear at any moment. "Are you sure everything's okay? You don't have to pretend with me."

Alphonso's gaze dropped to his coffee cup, and he took a deep breath. "Chris, I appreciate your concern, but really, Derek is the best boyfriend anyone could ask for. He takes care of me, makes sure I'm safe. I know he comes off a bit strong, but it's only because he loves me so much."

Chris listened, his concern growing. He wanted to reach out, to tell Alphonso that he didn't have to lie, that he could see through the façade. But he also knew that pushing too hard might scare Alphonso away, or worse, drive him further into Derek's control.

"I understand," Chris said gently. "Just remember, if you ever need anything, I'm here for you. No judgments, no questions. Just help."

Alphonso looked up, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Chris. That means a lot."

Chris reached out, squeezing Alphonso's hand briefly. "Anytime."

As the morning wore on, Chris couldn't stop thinking about Alphonso. The forced cheerfulness, the insistence that Derek was a good boyfriend—it all pointed to a deeper issue. He wished he could do more, but for now, all he could do was provide a safe space and let Alphonso know he wasn't alone.

Later in the day, during a lull in customers, Chris found himself staring out the window, lost in thought. The café was a sanctuary, a place where people came to escape their troubles, even if only for a little while. He wanted it to be that for Alphonso too, a haven where he could find solace and maybe, just maybe, the courage to break free from whatever hold Derek had on him.

Chris's musings were interrupted by the chime of the doorbell. He looked up, half-expecting to see Derek's intimidating figure, but it was just a regular customer. He sighed in relief, though his thoughts quickly returned to Alphonso.

As the day drew to a close, Chris made a silent promise to himself. He would be there for Alphonso, offering support and understanding. He wouldn't push, but he also wouldn't turn a blind eye. He couldn't change Alphonso's situation, but he could be a friend, a confidant, and maybe, in time, someone Alphonso could trust enough to reveal the truth hidden beneath the surface.

For now, that would have to be enough.