1.13

Tree shade dapples the café terrace. The air hums with distant chatter, the rustle of leaves, the occasional bark of a dog. Sunlight filters through.

Still in a rush, Hannah walks down the path at a brisk pace until she arrives at a clearing that has a small terrace in front of a cafe. She looks around frantically for Josh. When she does finally spot him, she visibly relaxes: she's on time. She takes a few deep breaths, then sits down at the free table opposite his.

She exhales; shoulders drop. A waiter takes her order and she looks around for a bit before finally focusing on Josh, who's reading a book. He looks up, returns her gaze, and smiles.

He looks at the cover. The book is *Everything That Rises Must Converge*.

Hannah smiles, holding onto the moment, forcing normalcy. The weight of it lands. Strain, fear, loneliness. The mask slips. Her breath catches, her smile falters, and before she can stop it, she breaks.

Josh seems at a loss for words, then gets up, moves to Hannah's table, and kneels next to her.

He leans close. He doesn’t know her, but the familiarity is there. She holds his gaze. Then someone steps into the frame.

JULIA is striking, late twenties, effortlessly put together, her hair swept back. She offers a polite smile.

Josh straightens up beside Julia.

He kisses her.

Hannah registers what’s happening. The nightmare isn't over. Josh and Julia sit down at their table. He gives Hannah an apologetic smile and decides to move on with the conversation.

Hannah forces a small smile, but Julia tilts her head, picking up on something.

Hannah's breath catches. She recovers quickly, but Julia notices.

Hannah swallows hard, nodding. A waiter approaches with her coffee.

He grabs some money from his wallet and puts it on the table. Hannah watches them rise.

Hannah steadies herself. Forces a breath. Then, with all her power, she smiles and raises her cup.

She drinks. Casual. Controlled. The shake only shows when the cup returns to the saucer. Julia gives a polite nod, and they turn to leave. Only then does Hannah tremble as she sets the cup down. Her breath shudders. The second they're gone, she bolts.