SERENITY KELLER
The key slid into the café door. With a click, I opened the "home" I hadn't seen in a week.
The familiar scent of coffee beans inside made me nostalgic. I walked in and ran my finger along the windowsill by the door. A thin layer of dust had built up over the week. In the sunlight, particles floated visibly in the air.
"I need to clean this up. I can't reopen the shop like this," I murmured, trying to give myself a pep talk.
Though I had successfully left the Vernal mansion and escaped the past that gave me nightmares, I had to admit that Novella was still in pain over leaving Elias and Arian. A dull ache pricked at my heart. It was deeply uncomfortable.
Just as I picked up a broom to start sweeping, the café door suddenly swung open.
"Serenity! I knew it was you!"
Frank rushed in, his eyes lighting up with joy.
"Frank?" I stared at him in shock. He had lost his usual polished look. His eyes were bloodshot, and stubble covered his jaw.
