As the last train pulled away from the station, Clara stood on the platform, a chilling wind tugging at her coat. The old town she grew up in felt different now. It was late November, the leaves long fallen, and the air carried the scent of impending snow. She had returned for the funeral, a bittersweet occasion that stirred memories of laughter and love. But as she turned to leave, her eyes caught a glimpse of the familiar cafe across the street—the one where she and her brother had spent countless afternoons, sharing dreams over steaming cups of hot chocolate. In a mixture of sadness and happiness, Clara decided to take one last walk. She made her way to the cafe, its windows glowing warmly against the twilight. Stepping inside, she was surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. The bell above the door jingled, and an elderly woman behind the counter looked up, a smile breaking across her face.
“Clara! It’s been ages!”
“Just passing through,” Clara replied, but the warmth of the cafe tugged at her heart. As she ordered a hot chocolate, she noticed the corner table where her brother used to sit. A rush of memories flooded her—his laughter, their shared secrets. With her drink in hand, Clara settled into that familiar spot. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes, feeling a sense of peace come over her. Perhaps it wasn’t goodbye after all, but a new beginning—a chance to carry those memories forward, woven into the fabric of her life.
December, 2024
