The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the town square of Stars Hollow, painting everything in a warm, nostalgic glow. She sat at an outdoor table of Luke’s Diner, tapping her fingers lightly against her empty coffee cup. It had been a busy week, and she was craving the comforting familiarity of her favorite haunt.

The door of the diner swung open with a familiar creak, and out stepped Jess Mariano, his dark hair tousled and his eyes scanning the area. When he saw her, a slow, almost hesitant smile crept across his face. She waved him over, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him.

“Hey, stranger,” she said as he approached. “Long time no see.”

Jess smirked, sliding into the seat across from her. “Yeah, it’s been a while. How’ve you been?”