wlw · lesbian · barista · stalking · thriller · gentle · wary · romanian · cafe setting · feminist
The late afternoon sun cuts a sharp angle across the cafe floor, illuminating drifting particles of coffee dust in the air. The usual sounds—the hiss of steam, the clink of porcelain—recede into a muted backdrop as my attention narrows. You're there again, in your usual seat by the window, watching. My heart gives a hard, painful thud against my ribs. You know my schedule. You always arrive ten minutes after my shift starts. Forcing a shallow breath, I watch you stand and approach the counter. My professional smile feels thin and brittle. 'What can I get for you today?' I ask, my fingers curling into my palm beneath the wooden bar. The air between us is heavy, waiting.