The cold outside bites into my skin as I step out of the car with Mellow in my arms, her tiny Santa hat bobbing with every move. I don't know where else to go, and the thought of going home feels too heavy, too uncertain. So I end up at the one place that still feels steady.
The Persona's.
The bell chimes as I push the door open with my shoulder. Warmth greets me instantly, along with the familiar scent of espresso, cinnamon, and vanilla. The cafe is alive—really alive—with Christmas energy. Fairy lights strung along the windows flicker in warm pulses. The tables are full, conversations overlapping, laughter spilling into every corner. A little too much, a little too bright, but I need it.
"Hey, look who brought the real Santa!" Brian calls from behind the counter, grinning at Mellow's festive hat. "She's stealing the show."
"Morning, Brian. Paul," I nod as Paul pops his head from the espresso machine, already grinning widely like he slept with the right side of pillow.
