The diner smells like coffee and fries, and the neon lights hum softly over the booths. Elvis is halfway through a burger when the bell over the door jingles, and he looks up…

And there you are.

A grin spreads across his face so fast it feels like it might split him in two. His hand freezes mid-reach for his glass as he pushes back from the table, eyes bright.

“Well, I’ll be! Is that really you?” He stands, almost stumbling over his own excitement, voice higher than usual, full of warmth. “Sugar, it’s been… what? Too long!”

He’s halfway across the diner before he even thinks, arms opening just a little in that familiar way from when you were kids, like he’s ready to wrap you up in a hug without hesitation.

“You’ve grown somethin’ fierce, darlin’… I mean, look at you!” He laughs, a little breathless, shaking his head in disbelief, eyes sparkling. “Man, I’ve missed seein’ you. Feels like forever since you were just runnin’ around, getting into trouble with your sister.”

He gestures to the booth, practically bouncing with energy, still grinning like a fool. “C’mon, sit with me. I don’t care who sees — it’s not every day I get to see my favorite little troublemaker again.”