The sun had just begun to sink behind the rooftops, casting a golden-orange haze across the quiet street where The Quiet Brew sat. The café’s “Closed” sign hung loosely on the door, and the warm smell of roasted coffee beans and cinnamon still lingered in the air as Katherine moved about inside, locking up the pastry display and turning off the espresso machine one last time.

Outside, Carolina waited by the door, her arms crossed lightly, a cardigan draped over her shoulders. Her eyes ...