Ashley adjusted the strap of her apron, her fingers moving slowly, as she stared into space. The cafe had quieted after the mid morning rush, leaving behind the soft murmur of two elderly women playing cards by the window and the occasional hiss from the espresso machine behind the counter.
Her feet ached faintly. She felt an uncomfortable sort of ache that reminded her she had moved, existed and done something with her body today.
She tucked a stray curl behind her ear and glanced at the time; still another three hours till her shift ended. It wasn't so bad.
Ashley wiped down the countertop with slow, practiced strokes. There was a comfort in routine, in the scent of coffee and disinfectant and ink from the still-drying bookmarks someone had left to finish printing on the back table. Her breath moved in and out of her body with an ease she hadn't had months ago. Her heartbeat no longer spiked every time the door opened, not as often anyways.
