Jenna appeared with the subtlety of a bulldozer.

“Everything okay here, Sienna?”

I pulled my hand back.

“Fine. Just taking my break.”

“Sure you are.”

She winked and disappeared.

Sandro looked amused.

“Your coworker thinks I’m harassing you.”

“Are you?”

“Yes. But respectfully.”

I laughed before I could stop myself.

The absurdity of the moment finally cracked something loose.

“You’re insane.”

“Probably.”

He left cash on the table for the coffee he did not drink. Way too much cash.

“Same time tomorrow?”

“I don’t work tomorrow.”

“Then the next day.”

He stood carefully, still healing.

“One question per day, Sienna. That’s the deal. I plan to collect.”

And he did.

The question per day became our ritual.

He showed up at the diner every shift I worked. Ordered coffee he did not drink. Asked one question.

“Biggest fear?” he asked one night.

“That Danny will die and I’ll be alone.”

I answered because those were the rules.

“Your turn. What’s yours?”

“That I’ll die before I’ve done anything that matters.”

part2