Loving Ladies 2024 01 16 -- 00-33-1226-04 Min -

And Elara, for once, had actually listened.

They walked into the Waffle House at . The fluorescent lights buzzed. A waitress named Dottie poured them coffee without asking. They slid into a booth by the window, knees bumping under the table. Loving ladies 2024 01 16 -- 00-33-1226-04 Min

“Home,” Mina said softly. “Or close to it. We’re at the rest stop on Route 29. The one with the 24-hour Waffle House.” And Elara, for once, had actually listened

As they waited, Elara pulled out her phone, snapped a blurry photo of Mina mid-yawn, and typed a note into her journal app. Mina pretended not to notice. A waitress named Dottie poured them coffee without asking

Later—after the food arrived, after the waffle was devoured, after Elara stole a piece of bacon and Mina pretended to be annoyed—they walked back to the car. The sky had cleared. Stars pricked the darkness like tiny promises.

“Hey,” Elara said quietly.