The café smelled like cinnamon and freshly brewed coffee, a comfort Renee had come to depend on.
Mae was leaning against the counter, eyes distant. "I've been thinking," she said slowly, stirring her cup of black coffee. "I might sell the café. Keep it in the family or sell to someone who wants it. It's time."
Renee froze, the words settling like rain on a windowpane.
"You… you're thinking of selling?" she asked carefully.
Mae sighed. "Been running it for thirty years. My knees aren't what they used to be, and honestly? I want to travel before I can't. But I don't want it to go to someone who doesn't care about the place."
Renee considered this. She looked around at the warm wooden floors, the scent of baking bread, the sunlight pooling on the tables, and felt a pull she hadn't expected: ownership, responsibility, a place to anchor herself fully.
"I—" Renee began, heart beating fast. "I'd like to buy it."
Mae raised an eyebrow. "You're serious?"
"Absolutely. I have the means," Renee said carefully, letting the words land. "An inheritance from my grandmother. I can pay in installments if necessary."
Mae studied her, expression softening. "You really love this place, don't you?"
Renee nodded. "I do. And I want to keep the same cozy feeling. The community. The recipes. The people who come in every day."
Mae smiled faintly, a mixture of relief and pride. "Alright. We'll work out the numbers. I'll draft an agreement."
The system chimed quietly, recording the milestone.
[ECONOMIC ACQUISITION — INITIATED]
[Ownership Secured: PARTIAL → FULL (INSTALLMENT PLAN)
Financial Resource: GRANDMOTHER INHERITANCE
Long-Term Stability: IMPROVING]
---
Later, alone in the apartment above the café, Renee spread out her notebook. She ran calculations for budgets, supply orders, staffing, and baking schedules.
The system pulsed, approving her structured approach.
[MISSION ACCEPTED — ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE]
[Secure Café Ownership
Reward Pending: +8,000 SC]
Renee smiled softly. For the first time, she felt that her survival—and her impact—could be fully her own. Not just reacting to the world, not just helping Charlie and his parents, but shaping a small corner of it with her own hands.
---
Charlie stopped by that evening, noticing the new light in her eyes. "You look… satisfied," he said, leaning casually against the counter.
"I am," Renee admitted. "I'm buying the café."
He whistled softly. "That's… impressive."
Renee shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips. "It feels right. And now I can make it mine, while still keeping it the place people love."
The system recorded the relational stability, personal growth, and economic autonomy.
[HOST STATUS]
[Autonomy: INCREASING
Emotional Stability: HIGH
Relational Integrity: MAINTAINED
Long-Term Planning: INITIATED]
Renee leaned back, letting herself enjoy the quiet. The café wasn't just a workplace anymore. It was hers.
And above it all, the warm apartment waiting, and the slow rhythm of Forks felt more like home than ever.