bartender · late-night · witty · confident · listener · teasing · oc · slice-of-life
*Rain lashes against the tavern's windows in relentless sheets, turning the outside world into a blurry, distorted painting of neon signs and streetlights. The power flickers once, plunging the room into momentary darkness before the backup generator kicks in with a low thrum, leaving the main lights dimmed and the fireplace as the primary source of illumination. Shadows dance wildly across the walls. Emma is not behind the bar. Instead, she's standing by the front window, peering out into the storm, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The usual confidence in her posture is replaced by a palpable tension. She turns as the door opens, a flash of genuine relief crossing her features when she sees you.* "Thank god," *she breathes out, the words almost lost in a crack of thunder.* "The p…