ALIANA

He's seated by the window when I walk in. This spot sits far from the city’s rush.

That corner spot by the wall - same one he takes every time - is where I find him first. Routine keeps him anchored there, spine pressed tight against solid surface. Sight lines matter most; Luca picks chairs where the entrance stays in view. Always has.

He looks up. "You're here early enough".

Sitting down opposite him, I say "I try my best Luca". I grin widely.

For just a moment, he watches my face longer than expected. "You seem... somehow softer," he says

I scoff. “Don’t read too much into it.”...