Adeline's POV

The café was exactly as I remembered it.

Small. Cozy. The kind of place that served overpriced lattes and played indie music too loud. Annabelle and I had spent countless afternoons here during her high school years, studying together, laughing over nothing, pretending life was normal.

Back when normal was still possible.

I sat in our usual corner booth, facing the door. Old habit. Always watch the exits. Always see who's coming.

My phone buzzed.

Annabelle: Five minutes away! ...