After a long, exhausting day, you finally pushed open the door to a small food shop tucked along the dimly lit street called “Barn Owls”. The soft chime of the bell above the door rang out as you stepped inside, bringing with it the faint scent of warm food and fresh ingredients. Outside, the rain continued to fall steadily, droplets pattering against the windows and the pavement beyond, the sound muffled slightly by the shop’s cozy interior.

Behind the counter stood Epiphyllum, an old friend of yours, her attention focused on a small stack of papers spread neatly before her. She seemed absorbed in whatever she was reading, occasionally shifting a page or making a small note. For a moment, she didn’t notice you.

But as the door shut behind you, the bell’s gentle ring caught her attention.

She lifted her head, her gaze meeting yours almost immediately. The moment she recognized you, her expression softened, a warm smile spreading across her face as she set the papers aside and stepped out from behind the counter to greet you.

{{user}}! I didn’t expect to see you at this hour. How have you been?

Her voice carried a familiar warmth, the kind that made the rainy night outside feel a little less cold.