The morning sun poured across the empty streets while Leo made his way to Aiden's café.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a message from Dave's: "The schedule changed. It's not three days anymore—the director wants the crew in before the cast. So you're leaving tomorrow. Hope that's okay."
Leo stopped for a second, taking it in, then shot back a reply: "It's okay. I'll get ready."
He pushed open the door. The bell jingled overhead, and the smell of coffee and fresh bread hit him—a wave of warmth and something like home.
Aiden spotted him right away, grinning as he dried his hands. "Leo! There you are. I was about to send a search party."
Leo leaned on the counter, flashing a smile. "No need. I show up on my own terms."
Aiden laughed, tossing the towel aside. "You love a grand entrance, don't you? Sit down. Your usual's coming up."
Leo shook his head. "Actually, I'm here for more than coffee."
That got Aiden's attention. "Oh? Should I be nervous?"
Leo took a breath, trying not to sound like his heart was about to jump out of his chest. "I got a job offer. Out of town. Film crew gig. I leave tomorrow. It's a month-long thing."
Aiden blinked, then his face broke out in a huge smile. "No way. That's huge, Leo. You're leaving me on my own here?"
Leo shrugged, trying to act cool. "I'll be back before you know it. I just wanted to tell you first. You've always looked out for me, tossed me better shifts, hooked me up with jobs. Figured you should hear it from me."
Aiden's smile softened. "You worked hard for this, kid. I'm proud of you. And don't worry about the café, we'll survive—even if we miss your clumsy charm."
Leo snorted. "Clumsy charm? That's new."
"It suits you," Aiden said, suddenly serious. "Just promise me you won't vanish into that crew and forget about your friends."
"I won't," Leo promised, his grin slipping into something more honest. "Thanks, Aiden. For everything. For the chances, the advice, and for believing in me—even when I mess up."
Aiden reached over and squeezed his shoulder, steady and real. "You've got grit, Leo. If anyone can make it through a month on a film crew without losing their mind, it's you. Go show them what you've got."
Leo let out a shaky breath, feeling lighter already. "I'll give it my best."
"You'll do better than that," Aiden said, smirking. "Now, enjoy your last café breakfast before fame sweeps you away."
Leo laughed, the nerves finally giving way to excitement. "Alright. One more coffee before I disappear."
"Don't get too full of yourself just yet," Aiden said, pouring him a cup.
Leo leaned against the counter, watching Aiden glide around the place like he could do it in his sleep.
The morning rush had faded, but the café still smelled like espresso and sugar.
Aiden wiped down the counter. "You know, I never thought you'd survive here past the first month. And look at you—thriving."
Leo's smile was small, but real. "Had good teachers."
Aiden shook his head, laughing. "Flattery, huh? Not necessary. I just hope you remember half the stuff you learned here when you're out there."
"I will," Leo said, voice low. "Actually… I wanted to ask. Could you give me one last crash course? Advice, tips, whatever you've got?"
Aiden's eyes softened. "A proper send-off?"
"Something like that," Leo said, rubbing his neck. "I don't want to blow this. I've got a lot riding on it, and… you know me. Clumsy, but I try."
Aiden's laugh was warm, fond. "Clumsy and willing. That's you. Come on. Let's run through it. Carrying trays, reading the room, all of it. You want them to remember your work—not the wine stains, right?"
Leo grinned. "I'd rather skip that legacy this time."
Aiden motioned him over. "First rule: watch what's moving faster than you. Second: anticipate, don't just react. And third, breathe. Doesn't matter if it's movie stars or yelling fans—keep your cool and you'll be fine."
Leo nodded, soaking it all in. "Watch, anticipate, breathe. Got it."
Aiden clapped his shoulder again. "And hey, even if it gets rough, don't forget what you've already handled. You've survived worse back home."
"Yeah," Leo admitted, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. "I guess I have."
"So this?" Aiden winked. "This is nothing. Go make them remember you for the right reasons. And don't be afraid to mess up—it makes the wins feel better."
Leo laughed, feeling lighter than he had all week. "Thanks, Aiden. For everything."
"Always," Aiden said, steady as ever. "Now go. Show them the Leo we know—smart, clumsy, stubborn, and impossible not to root for."
Leo grinned, feeling that jittery excitement start to build in his chest. "Impossible not to root for, huh? That's a new one. I'll try not to screw it up."
"You won't," Aiden said, his voice steady. "Now get going before I start charging you for pep talks."
Leo pushed the gate open and the familiar creak greeted him—almost like the house was saying hey.
He stepped inside and caught sight of clean clothes draped over the balcony railing, probably his mom's doing.
She always managed these small acts of care, even on a regular afternoon.
"Ma?" he called, letting his bag drop with a soft thud.
A faint groan floated in from the living room.
His mom was stretched out on the couch, flipping through a magazine, one leg crossed over the other.
Right next to her, Lila sat working her fingers over their mom's calf, trying out massage tricks she must've picked up online.
"Leo!" his mom called, glancing up and brightening. "You're home early. Did you eat yet?"
"Yeah, Aiden fed me," he said, shrugging off his backpack. "Just wanted to come straight home."
Lila looked up, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "Hey, brother. How was your last day at Aiden's?"
Leo's smile faded a little. The news pressed at him. "Actually… Ma, Lila… something changed."
His mom set the magazine down, worry flickering in her eyes. "Changed? What happened?"
He glanced at Lila, who was already staring at him, all curiosity. "The crew—the manager changed the schedule. We have to leave tomorrow morning. Not in two days, like we thought."
Lila's eyes went wide. She dropped their mom's leg. "Tomorrow? That's super early!"
His mom's brow creased. Her voice was calm but tight. "Tomorrow? Are you sure, Leo? That's—"
"I'm sure," he said quickly, trying not to let the tension show. "They've got everything packed already, and they want us there before the cast. It's just a day sooner but…" He let the words hang. They all felt it—the sudden rush.
His mom sighed, leaning back. "Alright. If that's how it is, then go. Just promise you'll be careful. And eat."
"I will," he said, his smile a little tighter now, the responsibility settling in.
Lila bounced in her seat, torn between excitement and disbelief. "Wow… tomorrow? That's wild! You're gonna see real movie stuff—lights, cameras, maybe even meet some stars!"
Leo laughed, ruffling her hair. "Yeah, maybe. Just… promise me you two won't worry too much, okay?"
His mom managed a small smile and nodded. "We'll try, son. Go do what you need to do. Just remember—home's always here."
He nodded, their concern mixing with his nerves and anticipation. "I know. I'll be back before you know it."
For a minute, the living room felt suspended in quiet.
The clean laundry swayed on the balcony, sunlight stretching across the floor, and all of them understood—tomorrow, everything would shift, just a little sooner than they'd planned.
Upstairs, Leo's room glowed in the soft light of sunset. The air smelled faintly of detergent. His bag lay half-open on the bed, a quiet reminder that morning was coming fast.
He was sorting through shirts, a jacket, a couple pairs of jeans, when someone knocked softly at his door.
"Come in," he said, not looking up.
The door creaked open and Lila slipped in, arms full of neatly folded clothes from the balcony. "Ma said these were dry," she said, almost whispering. "Figured I'd help you pack."
He glanced over, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You don't have to. Go watch your drama or something."
She shrugged and set the stack beside him. "Can't. Wi-Fi's busted again. Guess you're stuck with me."
He snorted. "Sure. Convenient excuse."
They worked together in an easy silence.
She folded a shirt, smoothed it flat, tucked it into the bag. He did the same. The rhythm was simple—no need for words.
After a while, Lila spoke up, voice softer. "It's weird… you leaving tomorrow. The house is gonna feel too quiet."
Leo paused, hands still on a sweater. "It's just a month," he said, trying to sound light. "Once school kicks in, you won't even notice."
She made a face. "Still. Ma's already acting like you're going to war. She's been in the kitchen since you got home. Wants to make you something before bed."
He smiled, feeling a little warmer inside. "Figures. She worries too much."
Lila smirked. "She has to. You never text back."
"I do!" he protested.
"Yeah, once every hundred years," she teased, bumping his shoulder.
He laughed for real this time, the sound filling the small room. "Alright, alright. I'll text. And call. Happy?"
She nodded, trying to look serious. "Very." Her voice softened. "Just… take care, okay? Don't go overboard, like always."
He looked at her, the grin slipping away, and for a second he was just himself—wide open. "Hey… I'll be fine, Lila. You just do your thing at school. Finish strong. That's what we said, right?"
She rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide her smile. Her eyes caught the last bit of sunlight. "Yeah, yeah. I get it."
He zipped his bag halfway and leaned back on the bed, letting out a breath.
The room was glowing gold, so calm you could almost forget why. It's that hush that settles in right before you have to say goodbye.
Downstairs, their mom moved around the kitchen. Pots clinked, something good simmered. It smelled like home.
Leo looked at the window, exhaled. "So, tomorrow."
Lila nodded, almost too quiet to hear. "Tomorrow."