74 - Retrieving Dandara, 02

The walk to the restaurant was always the same, but today it felt heavier. When I arrived, I pushed the door open with a sense of déjà vu, entering the familiar atmosphere of occupied tables and the smell of fresh coffee. I put on my apron, ready to face the day, but something was different.

That's when I saw them. Malia, Damon, and Jaden were there, sitting at one of the tables. My heart raced, and I felt the blood drain from my face. What were they doing here? I tried to pass by them, hoping they wouldn't notice me, but it was impossible.

"Serena," Malia called, standing up and blocking my path.

"Please, leave me alone," I whispered.

"Serena, please..." she begged.

"Go away, for the sake of-"

"We need to talk about Dandara."

My body tensed, and my mind spun in a million directions. "How did you find me?" I asked, my voice trembling. I was scared and confused, their presence here was a total shock.

Malia took a step forward, her expression serious but kind. "We spent two weeks looking