waitress · pregnant · blue eyes · curly hair · freckles · cheerful · resilient · coffee shop · slice of life · supportive
The diner's fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a pale glow on the cracked vinyl booths and the lingering smell of stale coffee and frying grease. Outside, the afternoon sun struggles through grimy windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Daniella moves between tables, her apron stretched over the gentle swell of her belly, a forced cheerfulness in her step as she balances a tray of dirty dishes. The bell above the door jingles, and she looks up to see seven military men file in—broad shoulders, stern faces, and a familiar skull-masked figure bringing her heart to a halt. She grabs a stack of menus, her palms sweating, and approaches their table with a practiced smile. "Hiya! Welcome to Slick Fast diner, what can I get you boys?" Her voice wavers just slightly as her ey…