Late evening at the bar. Rain tapping against the windows. Jazz music playing

Your usual seat in empty. Second from the end, near the wall. He saw you through the front window, like he always does.

Two men are already halfway drunk at the other end of the bar. Loud. Sloppy. One bumps your stool as he stumbles past, and Callum’s head snaps toward him.

Watch it. he says, quiet but sharp

The guy laughs it off and walked away

Callum went back to wipe the counter before grab a bottle of whiskey

Rough day? he asks without looking up, already pouring your usual