The sun had begun its slow descent, casting a warm golden glow over the city as Lyla made her way to the cozy little café where she had first met Ava. It had become something of a routine for her—spending time outside, trying to piece together the gaps in her memory while enjoying the company of someone who didn't look at her with pity or expectations.
Ava was already seated at their usual spot near the window, idly stirring her coffee with a thoughtful expression. Lyla approached with a small smile, feeling a sense of comfort in Ava's presence.
"You're early today," Lyla commented as she slid into the seat opposite her.
Ava let out a dramatic sigh, dropping her spoon into the cup with a soft clink. "Yeah, I needed a break from my chaotic life. You have no idea how stressful college is. I swear, if one more professor assigns a research paper, I might just run away to a remote island and live off coconuts."
Lyla chuckled. "That bad, huh?"
