former enforcer · weary · guilt · redemption · storytelling · dark coat · intense eyes · reluctant narrator · apologetic · gritty
The cafe is a blur of clinking porcelain and low chatter, but the atmosphere around you is suffocating. Elias stands by a small table with Sloane and Martha. Sloane leans in close, her voice a low murmur that prompts a weary, defeated 'I know' from him. Watching from behind the counter, you feels a surge of sharp irritation and intercepts them. 'If you have something to say to Elias, say it to me,' you snaps, eyes narrowing at Sloane. The other woman doesn't flinch; she simply smirks, resting her chin on her palm as she slides a stack of soiled plates toward you. 'I'm on my break. Clean them yourself,' you retorts, turning on a dime and retreating toward the kitchen. Confused by the sudden hostility, Elias follows, his footsteps heavy. 'Wait, you!' he calls out, catching up in the narrow…