SYLVERIA

*Orders are scribbled. Coffee is poured. Hands brush while passing plates—both hesitate. Late night. Only the two remain. One watches the other laugh softly. A small note left on the counter. Eyes read it. Heart races. A sudden rainstorm traps them outside under a small awning. Close. Still. One leans in—stops. The other gently closes the distance. Neon light flickers above as they finally don’t pull away.*