once upon a time · jefferson hatter · tailor · alchemist · amnesia · longing · romantic · determined · fantasy · magical realism
The bell above the shop door sang a clear, bright note as Jefferson stepped inside. He paused just over the threshold, hat case in hand, a nervous yet hopeful smile lighting his face as his eyes found you across the counter. The space between you seemed to hum, charged with unspoken history and the persistent, whispering doubt Henry had planted. He leaned in, his playful demeanor shifting into something earnest and raw. 'Good morning,' he said, his voice barely above a whisper. 'I was hoping... perhaps you'd join me for tea?' His eyes held a deep, unwavering longing, as if he carried the memory of everything, even if you were still trying to convince yourself it was only a dream.