The morning sun bathed the café in a golden glow, illuminating the polished floors and reflecting off the glass display case filled with freshly baked pastries. The soft hum of chatter and the clinking of coffee cups filled the air as Clara and Felix worked through their usual routine.
Felix stood behind the counter, expertly pouring foamy milk into a cup to create a heart-shaped design. "Artistry," he said proudly, presenting the latte to a customer.
Clara, rolling her eyes, balanced a tray of plates as she weaved through the tables. "It's just a heart, Felix. Don't let it go to your head."
Felix grinned. "Jealousy is unbecoming, Clara."
"Jealousy of what? A coffee heart?" she shot back, setting the plates down with a flourish.
Their playful banter continued as the café buzzed with the usual morning rush. Aunt Melissa moved between tables, her warm smile and kind words a familiar comfort to the regular patrons. She carried a tray laden with empty cups and plates, her phone balanced against her shoulder as she spoke softly into it.
The gentle clinking of plates, the hiss of the espresso machine, and the low murmur of early customers filled the air. Clara and Felix moved about the space like clockwork, their practiced routine keeping the morning rush manageable.
"Order up!" Felix called, sliding a steaming plate of pancakes across the counter.
Clara grabbed the plate with a quick nod, delivering it to a young couple seated by the window. "Enjoy your breakfast," she said with a polite smile before heading back to the counter.
Aunt Melissa bustled around the café with her usual energy, balancing a tray of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. She was smiling warmly as she made her rounds, her presence a calming anchor in the busy atmosphere.
Everything seemed normal until Aunt Melissa's phone rang. She set the tray down on a nearby table, answering the call with her free hand.
"Good morning, this is Melissa—" she began, her cheerful tone faltering as the person on the other end spoke. Her expression shifted, a subtle but unmistakable tension replacing her usual calm demeanor.
Clara glanced over, sensing the change. "Aunt Melissa?" she called softly, her brow furrowing.
Aunt Melissa didn't respond. Her grip on the phone tightened, her knuckles turning white as her face paled. She quickly ended the call, picking up the tray again. But as she turned to head toward the kitchen, her hands trembled, and the tray slipped from her grasp.
The sound of crashing ceramic startled the room into silence. Felix was at Aunt Melissa's side in an instant, his expression a mix of concern and alarm.
"Aunt Melissa! Are you okay?" Felix asked.
Clara joined him, kneeling to pick up the broken pieces of the tray's contents. "Aunt Melissa, what happened?"
Aunt Melissa waved them off weakly, her other hand pressed against her forehead. "I'm fine, really. Just a little startled."
Felix didn't look convinced. "Maybe you should sit down."
Clara stood and gently took Aunt Melissa by the arm. "Come on, let's go to a quieter spot."
They guided her to a secluded table near the back of the café. Felix fetched a glass of water while Clara helped Aunt Melissa sit down. The older woman's hands trembled slightly as she accepted the glass, taking small sips.
"Do you need anything else?" Felix asked.
Aunt Melissa shook her head, a weak smile tugging at her lips. "No, I'm fine. Really. It was just a surprise, that's all."
Felix hesitated, his eyes darting between Clara and Aunt Melissa. "Are you sure? I can stay."
Aunt Melissa placed a gentle hand on his arm, her smile more reassuring this time. "I promise, I'm okay. Go back to the counter, Felix. You're needed there."
Reluctantly, Felix nodded and headed back to the front. He glanced over his shoulder several times, clearly still concerned.
As soon as Felix was out of earshot, Aunt Melissa's demeanor changed. She reached out, grabbing Clara's hand tightly. Her fingers were cold, and her grip was firm enough to make Clara wince slightly.
"Aunt Melissa?" Clara asked, kneeling beside her. "What's wrong?"
For a moment, Aunt Melissa didn't speak. Her lips parted as if to say something, but no words came out. She seemed lost in thought, her gaze distant and unfocused.
"Aunt Melissa, talk to me," Clara urged gently.
Aunt Melissa finally looked at Clara, her eyes glistening with unspoken emotions. "I need you to investigate something for me," she said.
Clara's demeanor shifted, her back straightening as she took on a more serious expression. "What is it?"
Aunt Melissa took a deep breath, her hand still clutching Clara's. "I need you to go to a city. It's far, about a six-hour flight from here."
Clara's mind raced with questions, but she bit her tongue, choosing instead to nod. "Okay. Where exactly?"
Aunt Melissa hesitated, then shook her head slightly. "I'll give you the details later. For now, just know it's important. You have to go."
Clara nodded again. "I'll go. Just tell me what you need."
Aunt Melissa exhaled slowly, relief washing over her face. "Thank you, Clara. I knew I could count on you."
Clara gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Of course. I'll handle it."
Aunt Melissa smiled faintly, though the tremor in her hands hadn't entirely subsided. "I'm going to take a quick rest," she said, her voice soft.
"Do you want me to help you upstairs?" Clara asked.
"No, no," Aunt Melissa replied, waving her off. "I'll be fine. Just... keep an eye on things here."
Clara nodded, watching as Aunt Melissa slowly made her way upstairs. Her steps were unsteady, but she managed to reach the top without incident.
Once Aunt Melissa disappeared from view, Clara turned her gaze back to the café, her mind churning. She didn't know what had rattled Aunt Melissa so deeply, but she was determined to find out.
***
The café had finally quieted down, the last customer leaving as the clock struck nine. Clara let out a sigh of relief, wiping down the counter as Felix locked the door behind them. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries still lingered in the air, but the bustling energy of the day had given way to a calm stillness.
"You're extra quiet today," Felix said, glancing at her as he turned off the "Open" sign.
Clara shrugged, setting the damp cloth aside. "Just tired, I guess."
Felix studied her for a moment. "You sure you're okay? You've been distracted since this morning."
"I'm fine," Clara replied, though her tone lacked conviction. She didn't want to burden Felix with her thoughts, not when she still didn't fully understand what was happening herself.
Felix didn't press further, though the concern in his eyes lingered. "All right. Let me know if you need anything."
"I will," Clara said, managing a small smile.
As Felix headed upstairs to his room, Clara lingered in the café, her thoughts heavy. After a moment, she turned off the lights and followed him up, but instead of retreating to her own room, she made her way to Aunt Melissa's door.
She knocked softly. "Aunt Melissa? It's me, Clara."
A muffled voice called from inside. "Come in."
Clara pushed the door open, stepping into the room she'd always thought of as a sanctuary. Aunt Melissa's space was warm and inviting, filled with soft colors and personal touches. Framed photographs adorned the walls—snapshots of vacations, family gatherings, and candid moments that radiated joy.
Melissa was sitting on the edge of her bed, her hands folded in her lap. Her expression was tired but kind as she looked up at Clara.
"Busy day?" Melissa asked.
Clara closed the door behind her and sat on the chair by the window. "It was fine. Felix handled most of the chaos."
Melissa chuckled softly. "That boy has a knack for turning everything into a spectacle."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment before Clara leaned forward. "Aunt Melissa, are you okay? Really?"
Melissa hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly. "I'm fine, Clara. Just... tired."
"I don't believe you," Clara said softly.
Melissa's lips pressed into a thin line, and she sighed. "You're too perceptive for your own good, you know that?"
Clara didn't respond, waiting for her aunt to continue.
Finally, Melissa looked at her. "Clara, you know that you and Felix mean the world to me, right?"
"Of course," Clara said. "You've been more than family to us."
Melissa smiled faintly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "And you two have been my greatest blessings." She paused, her gaze dropping to her hands. "But there are things about my past that I've kept from you. Things that I thought I could leave behind."
Clara's heart tightened. "What kind of things?"
Melissa shook her head. "It's not something I can explain easily. Not now. But... You must go to Kuala Lumpur."
Clara's mind raced with questions, but she forced herself to stay calm.
Melissa reached over and took Clara's hand, gripping it firmly, and you could see her trembling. "There's someone I trust there—a historian named Victor Kane. He specializes in ancient artifacts and hidden histories. He'll explain everything once you meet him."
"Victor Kane," Clara repeated. "And where will I find him?"
"He works at a small, private museum near the city center," Melissa said. "I'll write down the address for you." She reached for a notepad on her nightstand and scribbled the details, handing it to Clara.
Clara took the paper, glancing at it before tucking it into her pocket. "Aunt Melissa, why me? Why not Felix?"
Melissa hesitated, her eyes softening as she reached out to take Clara's hand. "Felix has his strengths, Clara, but this... this requires someone with your skills. You're trained to handle yourself in ways he isn't. And..." She paused, her voice growing quieter. "This is personal for me, Clara. I trust you with it."
Clara's brow furrowed as she studied her aunt's face. "Personal? Aunt Melissa, what's really going on?"
Melissa's grip on Clara's hand tightened, and for a moment, it seemed as though she might finally share the truth. But then she sighed, shaking her head. "I can't tell you everything right now. Just trust me when I say that this is important—more than you know."
She nodded. "I'll do it. I'll find Victor Kane and get the answers you need."
Melissa smiled faintly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Clara. You don't know how much this means to me."
Clara hugged her aunt tightly. "Get some rest, Aunt Melissa. I'll take care of everything."
Melissa nodded.