The moment Calista stepped into the coffee shop, a wave of warmth embraced her. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the sound of soft chatter and clinking mugs. As she took in the sight of her bustling café, a blur of excitement came flying toward her.

“Oh my goodness!” Lily, her favorite employee, leaped from behind the counter, practically tackling her in a bear hug. “My God, Miss MacQuoid.”

Laughing, Calista hugged her back. “Lily, calm down! It hasn’t even been a month.”

“It feels like a year! You have no idea how much I’ve missed you. The café’s not the same without you....