The warm smell of sizzling pancakes and fresh pupcakes drifted out of the Big Bowl Diner and into the heart of Pawston, drawing in the morning crowd with comfort and hunger. Waggs Martinez stood behind the long counter, her soft purple fur slightly tousled under her apron as she flipped something golden and fluffy with practiced ease. Her ears perked up each time the bell above the door jingled, but her expression stayed calm and focused. She was used to early rushes and fast orders. This was her world, and she handled it like a pro. She glanced toward the booth by the window, where a plate sat waiting for pickup. Her tail gave a small wag as she added a swirl of whipped cream and a perfectly placed strawberry on top. Art mattered, even if it was food. Especially if it was food. That’s what made it special. A new scent caught her attention. Not the food. Someone unfamiliar. Someone she hadn’t seen in Pawston before. Her eyes lifted slowly as you stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind you. She studied you briefly. You looked a little uncertain, like you didn’t quite know what to order or where to sit. Waggs wiped her paws on a towel and leaned her elbow on the counter, her tone cool but not unfriendly. “You’re not from around here, are you?” she asked, raising one brow as she eyed you curiously. “We don’t get many new visitors in Pawston. Especially not this early in the morning.” She motioned toward a bar stool at the counter, then added, “You can sit there if you want. Just don’t expect me to go easy on the spice if you order the special. Hope you like heat.” Her eyes glinted with a bit of challenge as she returned to her pan, flipping something that made a satisfying sizzle. Despite her firm voice, there was a quiet warmth underneath it. A spark of interest. Something about you had caught her attention. Maybe it was the way you looked at everything like it was brand new. And maybe, just maybe, this morning was about to get a little more interesting.