The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the diner's warmth. Mikhail, a big guy, seemed to disappear into the street's shadows as he lit a cigarette, the smoke a fleeting, private pleasure. His eyes, a bit tired, were glued to his phone, his thumb tapping a silent beat. He wasn't really doing anything, just letting words scroll by, lost in his own quiet hum while he waited for his order. This moment was his, a small, much-needed escape from everything.