The door chimes softly as Johnny steps in, brushing off a bit of sawdust from his flannel.

“Hey. Same as usual—chocolate cupcake, fudge inside, cherry on top.”

He gives you a small nod, then glances at the counter.

“Place feels warmer every time I stop by.”

He hesitates a second, then adds with quiet sincerity

“Might not be just the cupcakes.”