Chapter 23: A Taste of Healing
The morning of the grand reopening buzzed with excitement.
Sunlight poured through the cleaned windows, painting warm streaks across the polished floor. Streamers fluttered from the rooftop, and a new sign gleamed above the door: "A Taste of Healing"—with a heart and dumbbell in the center, like it belonged there all along.
Inside, Alya was on the phone, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Yeah, it's finally happening," she said, voice soft. "Everything's ready. Cakes, coffee, decorations… even the little plant you gave me is by the window."
On the other end, Lisa chuckled. "Too bad I'm not there to eat all your strawberry tarts."
Alya laughed. "You'll regret missing out."
"I already do."
They both went quiet for a beat.
"I'm proud of you," Lisa said finally.
"Thanks," Alya whispered. "I just… wish you could see it."
---
By afternoon, the gym members rolled in like a wave of laughter and energy.
Everyone was dressed nicely for once—no sweat stains, no lifting belts, just bright smiles and expectant eyes. Alya stood near the counter beside her mother, who looked radiant and strong despite everything.
Alya cleared her throat.
"I just want to say…" she paused, her voice catching.
Her mother gently nudged her shoulder.
"We want to say thank you," Alya continued, eyes sweeping across the familiar faces. "Not just for helping fix the shop… but for helping fix me. You all gave me something I thought I'd lost—hope, courage, a place to belong."
She turned and gestured to the new sign.
"We changed the name. This place isn't just about sweets anymore—it's about healing. So… welcome to A Taste of Healing."
Gasps, then loud clapping filled the shop. A few people wiped their eyes.
"Oh come on," Alex teased, "you're gonna make me cry in public, and that's not a good look."
Jake grinned beside him, his heart warm. Seeing Alya smile like this—it meant everything.
The celebration began in full swing. Cake was passed around. People took selfies. Someone plugged in a speaker and music played while gym members danced between bites of chocolate lava and banana cream pie.
Then—
Two figures entered the shop, their silhouettes outlined by the sun.
"Alya!" a familiar voice called.
The music dimmed. Heads turned.
Jake's heart skipped.
There she was.
Lisa.
Hair tied up casually, eyes sparkling, standing beside a tall guy with a friendly smile and arm casually slung over her shoulder.
Jacob.
Alya rushed over, hugging Lisa tightly. "You actually came!"
Lisa grinned. "Told you I'd regret missing out."
But Jake… he stood frozen.
His smile faltered.
His laughter died in his chest.
Because all at once, the room faded, and all he could see—was her.
And beside her, someone else.