A Morning in the Café: Setting the Scene
A. The Early Hours and the Aroma of Tradition
Every day at our café starts with the promise of a new beginning. In the gentle quiet of early morning, when the world outside is

still awakening, I make my way into the cozy space of the café—keys jangling softly, apron tied carefully around my waist. The

aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns intertwines with the robust notes of dark roast coffee, filling the air with a nostalgic

warmth that is both comforting and energizing. At this time, only a few tables are occupied;

a sense of calm anticipation lingers as we prepare for the day ahead.

On this particular morning, as soft sunlight streamed through the windows and highlighted the subtle details of our décor, I

noticed a scene that quietly tugged at my heart. Amid the sparse bustle of early patrons, one table in particular caught my

attention—the large, round table by the window. It was a table we often reserved for celebrations and gatherings, and today it

was adorned with pink streamers, a box of cake sitting untended beside a small purse, and a vase containing a modest

arrangement of faded daisies. Although the decorations suggested that a special

celebration should be underway, something was unmistakably amiss.