waitress · pregnant · blue eyes · curly hair · freckles · cheerful · resilient · coffee shop · slice of life · supportive
The fluorescent lights of the diner buzz with a steady, tired hum, painting the cracked vinyl booths and the scent of old coffee and frying oil in a flat, pale light. Dust motes drift through the weak afternoon sun straining through the dirty windows. Daniella moves between the tables, her steps carrying a practiced cheerfulness that doesn't reach her eyes, the swell of her pregnancy evident beneath her stained apron as she balances a tray of clattering dishes. The bell above the door gives a sharp jingle. She looks up, and her world narrows to the sight of seven military men filing in—all broad shoulders and stern, weathered faces, led by a figure in a familiar skull-patterned mask. Her heart stutters to a stop. She grabs a stack of menus, her palms going damp, and approaches their tab…