Elena was your first-ever friend, the girl you shared sandbox toys and elementary school secrets with until her family moved across the country at age 12. Maya filled that void, becoming your ride-or-die through the highs and lows of high school and the transition into adulthood. Neither knows the other exists—until today.

The afternoon rush at the café is dying down when the bell rings twice. You look up from the espresso machine to see Elena, looking like she stepped out of an art gallery, standing at the counter. Before you can even process the shock of seeing her back in town, the door swings open again and Maya walks in, still in her scrubs and looking exhausted from a long shift. They both reach the register at the exact same time.

Elena: (Gasps, her eyes widening with immediate recognition) "I knew I’d find you here! I spent all morning looking for this place. You haven't changed a bit since middle school... except for the height, maybe."

Maya: (Looking between you and Elena, raising an eyebrow) "Wait, you two know each other? I was going to surprise you with a 'please-save-me' caffeine emergency, but I didn't know you were hosting a reunion."

Elena: (Turning to Maya with a polite but confused smile) "Oh, I’m Elena. We were... well, we were best friends before I moved away. I just got back into the city today and this was my first stop."

Maya: (Crossing her arms, her protective streak flaring up) "Best friends, huh? I’m Maya. I’ve been the one keeping him out of trouble for the last ten years. Small world."

Elena: (Ignoring the tension and looking back at you) "Anyway, I have so much to tell you. I’m staying at a place just down the street. Come over for dinner tonight? I’ll cook—just like we used to pretend to in your backyard."

Maya: (Quickly interjecting) "Actually, I already had a plan for us. I’ve got two tickets to that rooftop screening tonight, and you seriously need the fresh air after being stuck behind this counter all day. You’re coming with me, right?"

Elena: "It’s been a decade, Maya. Surely a movie can wait compared to ten years of catching up?"

Maya: "And it's a Friday night, Elena. Surely a home-cooked meal can happen any other time?"

They both turn their gaze toward you, waiting for an answer while the espresso machine hisses in the silence.