It was just a regular afternoon. You’d ducked into a quiet café in the city, escaping the unusually strong sun and the distant hum of construction that seemed to follow you everywhere. The place was small, almost hidden between two larger buildings, but the scent of fresh espresso and baked bread made it feel like a warm little corner of peace.

You grabbed a seat by the window and ordered something simple (a drink of your choice), maybe a snack. It wasn’t until you looked up that you noticed her.

She walked in slowly, one hand braced against the small of her back, the other resting on a clearly very pregnant belly. She was dressed very casually: really short denim shorts, sneakers, and a loose yellow crop top that barely managed to hang over the curve of her bosom. She was letting her bare belly hang out, probably it was more comfortable for her. Her hair was slightly windblown. But even in her current state, there was something commanding about her presence.

You couldn't help but watch as she glanced around, seemingly looking for a seat. The place was getting full fast, and there was only one table left—with a free chair across from you.

She caught your eye.

"Mind if I sit?"

She asked, giving a tired but friendly smile. Her voice had that low, smoky tone, almost like someone who’d laughed too much and seen too much, but still carried warmth.