Above, the sky stretched out like an endless canvas, the full moon taking center stage, its silvery light illuminating Amsterdam with an ethereal glow.
Serene, in her forest deep green dress, moved gracefully around her home, her mind set on the cafe and the guests it would welcome tonight.
The dress, hugging her figure perfectly, added an air of sophistication to her natural elegance.
She glanced at the clock—12:40 AM. It was almost time to open the doors of Cafe Wabi-Sabi to the world once more.
Thus, she smoothed down her dress, Serene couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mingled with anticipation.
The cafe was her sanctuary, a place where stories intertwined and souls found solace. Tonight would be no different.
Lady Bellaruby already picked up eight names for tomorrow, this time she didn't even tell Serene, as today she made a mistake; she didn't want it to happen again.
Tonight, Lady Bellaruby would stay home while Serene took care of the cafe. After getting ready, she let down her waist-length wavy black and brown hair.
— "I am going, Bella. Take care of yourself. See you in the morning and sleep soon."
— "You too. Stay healthy and I really wonder how you stay awake all night without feeling a little sleepy."
— "When happiness stays in the things you do, everything is possible and you can do it effortlessly."
Lady Bellaruby smiled with pride for Serene. She quickly started walking towards the main door as Serene was heading out too.
Lady Bellaruby, pretending to be a maid as if Serene were her queen, held the door and joked,
— "Serene darling, what do you call when a door that shows love?"
Serene paused, a playful smile on her lips.
— "What, Bella?"
Lady Bellaruby grinned,
— "Adore."
Serene laughed.
— "You're impossible, Bella. But I adore you anyway."
— "And I, my queen, adore you too. Now go on, your kingdom awaits."
Lady Bellaruby's joke echoed through the room, causing Serene to burst into laughter.
Lady Bellaruby couldn't help but join in, sitting on the floor and holding her stomach as she laughed. Their laughter filled the living room, making everything feel alive and warm.
Still chuckling, Serene grabbed her things and headed out the door. She turned back, waving one last time.
— "Goodnight, Bella. See you in the morning."
— "Goodnight, my dear."
Lady Bellaruby called after her, still smiling. Serene walked to her cafe, the night air cool and refreshing.
She unlocked the door and stepped inside, flicking on the lights and taking in the cozy space.
She sprayed a light, romantic perfume into the air, hoping to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for her guests.
She arranged fresh flowers on the tables and made sure everything was perfect.
Soon, her first three customers arrived. Serene greeted them with her bright, fresh smile, making them feel welcome.
She took their orders and chatted with them briefly before heading to the kitchen to prepare coffee and set out biscuits and cookies.
As she worked, the cafe began to fill up. The low hum of conversation and the clinking of cups created a soothing background noise.
Serene moved gracefully between the tables, ensuring everyone was comfortable and had what they needed.
With a final affectionate glance, Serene stepped out into the cool night. The moon bathed the streets of Amsterdam in its gentle light.
The full moon hung high in the sky, making the entire cityscape look like a scene from a dream.
Her cafe was more than just a business; it was a manifestation of her love, passion, and spiritual connection to the world around her.
Each cup of coffee, every carefully arranged flower, and the inviting ambiance all carried a piece of her heart.
As she finished preparing the orders, Serene's mind drifted back to the anonymous letter she had read earlier.
The mysterious, emotionally charged words lingered in her thoughts, creating a sense of curiosity and concern.
Even as she walked back to her counter, Serene found herself replaying the events in her mind.
The letter had left a mark on her thoughts, and she was consumed with curiosity about what could have driven the writer to such a state.
The anonymity of the letter only deepened the mystery. It was clear the writer had poured out their heart, but without any identifying details, it was impossible to reach out to them directly.
Serene stared at the black desk in front of her, a cup of iced coffee in her hand.
She preferred iced coffee over hot, which she rarely drank. As she gazed out the window, she observed the bustling city outside.
In this small, tranquil space, Serene hoped to offer her customers a moment of solace.
The world outside was crowded and noisy, but inside her cafe, people could reconnect with their souls, feel the gentle breeze, and remember the emotions and memories they had long forgotten.
As the night wore on, the cafe continued to fill with the soft sounds of conversation and the clinking of cups. Serene moved around the room, her presence bringing warmth and comfort to her guests.
On the other hand, Killian, mesmerized by the night view of Amsterdam, couldn't help but be drawn to its beauty.
The city's charm enveloped him, and his eyes eagerly explored every corner he could see.
The taxi soon reached the end of HJ Street, and when Killian's eyes fell upon the café Wabi-Sabi, his breath caught.
The café's exterior was more captivating than anything else on the bustling street. The glow of the lights outside made it stand out, giving it an almost magical allure.
Killian knew he was breaking the rules. He wasn't one of the selected few to be here tonight, sipping on a cup of coffee. But the curiosity, the desperation, gnawed at his soul.
He needed to understand why everyone he encountered in the Netherlands spoke so highly of this place, this café Wabi-Sabi.
Despite his usual confidence, Killian felt a knot of nervousness in his stomach. He wasn't sure if he would meet the café's owner, but the anticipation was almost unbearable.
Dressed in a sleek black outfit that highlighted his sharp jawline, Killian took a deep breath and started walking towards the door.
His jaw was clenched from the tension coursing through his veins.
Reaching the door, he hesitated for a moment, taking in the warm glow from inside, the sound of soft laughter and murmured conversations. Then, with a gentle push, he entered the café.
Then there it was, the famous café in Amsterdam, Café Wabi-Sabi, right in front of him.
Killian could finally explore and experience everything this place had to offer. He made his first step into the café, and the intoxicating aroma in the air drove him wild with curiosity.
He looked around, taking in the fragrant flowers whose scents were far more than just pleasant.
The dim lights and soft background music created an atmosphere so distinct that he felt transported to an entirely different world.
He had never experienced or even imagined that something like this could exist.
The nervousness and irritation he had felt moments ago evaporated, replaced by an unknown but calming sensation. It was as if everything would be fine.
As Killian stepped further into the main area of the café, his eyes were drawn to the little stars twinkling on the ceiling.
They seemed to dance in the dim light, casting a magical glow over the entire space.
But it was not the stars that held his attention for long but - the girl.
She sat at the counter, a vision of elegance and grace, with a coffee-colored cup cradled delicately in her hands.
Her gaze was fixed on something outside the café, and a gentle smile graced her lips, adding to her allure.
For Killian, it was as if time stood still in that moment, and he couldn't tear his eyes away from her radiant beauty.
It was as if he had stumbled upon a treasure hidden within the walls of Café Wabi-Sabi—a serendipitous encounter that would change the course of his night, and perhaps even his life.
Among the subdued colors of the café, her deep green dress stood out like a beacon of beauty, captivating Killian's gaze in an instant.
Sensing his presence, Serene turned her gaze toward him, meeting his eyes with a mixture of curiosity and warmth.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still as their eyes locked in a silent exchange.
Their eyes spoke volumes, conveying emotions that words could never capture—a silent symphony of longing, understanding, and the promise of something more.