The bell chimed, and Asher looked up, spotting her—the girl with the warm smile who always came in for flowers. She picked up a pot of daisies, cradling it gently. “These will brighten my garden,” she said, her voice soft.

He rang up her purchase in silence, watching as she counted out wrinkled bills. “You’re here a lot,” he remarked, surprising himself.

She laughed. “Yeah… job hunting’s been rough. This place is my little escape.” As she left, her warmth lingered, filling the cold, quiet shop. And for once, Asher found himself hoping she’d be back soon.