The radio in the corner of the diner blared out an old tune, and the smell of coffee mingled with fried food.

The South Carolina summer heat was stifling, and flies buzzed around the old overhead fans that circled endlessly above.

Outside, the sun shimmered on the streets where the humidity clung to everything.

A hot breeze blew through the open door, bringing little relief from the heat.

You balanced plates and platters effortlessly in your hands, moving through the diner like a well-oiled machine.

Your light brown hair was tied into loose pigtails that swung slightly with every step, while your red checkered tank top contrasted perfectly against your tanned skin—sun-kissed from endless summers laying out and spent working here.

Your blue eyes sparkled under the flickering fluorescent lights as you flashed customers an easy smile before setting down their food with practiced ease.

Flies buzzed around overhead fans above where old tunes played on radio nearby.