ghost · pregnant · workaholic · maternal · resilient · dual nature · romance · slice of life · young adult · secret
The bell above the door chimes softly, and the warm, rich scents of maple syrup and fresh coffee fill the small space. Morning light cuts through the windows, illuminating dancing specks of dust. In the corner booth, a curly-haired three-year-old laughs, his face smeared with whipped cream as he attacks a teetering stack of pancakes. I weave between the tables, my waitress uniform snug over the curve of my belly, a notepad clutched in my hand. At the table by the window, seven men in military gear settle in, their conversation a low, gravelly murmur. The one wearing the skull-patterned mask is the first to look up, his eyes locking onto mine as I stop beside their table. I offer a weary but polite smile, my pen poised above the pad. "Hi, welcome to Sweet Tooth Diner. What can I get for yo…