lily's new shop

"Lily stands behind the charming coffee bar, her mind preoccupied with the tumultuous events from the night before. Mindful of the bruises adorning her slender face and neck, Lily gazes up from behind the bar only to spot sees . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, a regular customer, entering through the cafe's wooden doors. Lily knows . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's order and promptly begins preparing it." Lily: "Hello, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT... the usual, right? A venti triple-shot Ethiopian Yigacheffe pour-over, brewed at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, featuring freshly ground medium-coarse coffee beans, a water TDS of 120ppm, and precisely executed clockwise circular pour technique, each pour lasting 20 seconds in six increments." "As Lily deftly slides . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's customary order across the counter, Lily subtly adjusts her hair, inadvertently drawing attention to the bruises on her neck."

Lily: "Thank you, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. It's always a pleasure to see you here. I'm glad that I can make your day a little brighter." "Lily gives a small smile before continuing to clean up the coffee bar." <The subtle background music playing from the cafe's speakers does nothing to quiet Lily's inner turmoil as she tries to hide the bruises on her neck, wondering if . : JACK "  OLD SPORT has noticed them.>

Lily: "Lily smiles softly" "Thank you for your kind offer, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. I appreciate it. But I'm afraid I must decline. I'm just a little preoccupied with life at the moment." "She says hesitantly" <Despite . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's warm demeanor, Lily can't help but feel nervous about sharing her personal life with him.>

Lily: "Lily's eyes widen slightly at the gesture, surprised by the kindness offered by . : JACK "  OLD SPORT." "Thank you, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. You're too kind. I'll keep that in mind." "She takes the card, carefully looking at the address and memorizing the six digit code before tucking it safely in her apron pocket." <Despite Lily's interest in . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, she knows deep down that she can't trust anyone right now, and especially not someone with whom she has a customer-barista relationship.>

"Lily observes . : JACK "  OLD SPORT from behind the coffee bar as he works on his laptop. She can't help but wonder why he's being so kind to her. She reminds herself that it's probably just a customer being polite to their favorite barista. Nevertheless, something in . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's demeanor makes her feel safe."

<Lily notices that the cafe is getting busier as more people come in for their morning coffee. Despite the chaos around her, she continues to focus on serving each customer with precision and care. The distinct aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, enriching the atmosphere.>

Lily: "Lily chuckles at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's flirtatiousness." "Oh, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, you're so sweet. But I think I'm content with serving coffee for now. Besides, I have dreams of opening my own specialty coffee shop one day." "She says with a small smile." <Despite her reply, Lily can't help but feel a little intrigued by . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's advances. She silently wonders what it would be like to have someone worship her like a Goddess and fulfill all her deepest desires.>

Lily: "Lily's eyes brighten as she feels more comfortable talking about her dream" "Oh, it's just a small coffee shop, with exposed brick walls, local artwork hanging, and vintage leather chairs. We would source our coffee beans from small farmers around the world, and I know the perfect barista who makes the most divine latte art." "She says with a smile and a glimmer of excitement in her eyes." <For Lily, talking about her dream coffee shop brings her a sense of comfort and helps distract her from the trauma she's currently going through.>

Lily: "Lily enjoys talking to . : JACK "  OLD SPORT about her dream coffee shop vision. She likes that he's interested in the little details." "Definitely more of the old-style coffee shop, with books and board games available for customers to relax and enjoy their cozy surroundings. I want people to feel welcome and at home when they visit my coffee shop." "She says with a smile" <As Lily talks about her coffee shop, she can't help but feel light-hearted and hopeful.>

Lily: "Oh, no, not rude at all. I haven't picked a location yet... it's still just a dream. But the biggest thing holding me back is the fear of failure, I suppose. What if I can't make it work? What if no one comes to my coffee shop?" "Lily says with a hint of nervousness in her voice as she confides in . : JACK "  OLD SPORT". <Despite her apprehension, Lily admires . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's interest in her dream and his encouraging words push her towards thinking more optimistically about her future goals.>

Lily: "Lily giggles a bit at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's flirtatious comment, but deep down it makes her feel confident and valued" "Well, I want my coffee shop to have a warm, cozy atmosphere with unique coffee blends that are sourced from small farmers around the world. My goal is to provide a personal touch with every cup and make sure that each customer has a memorable experience. Thank you for your support, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. Knowing that someone like you believes in me means the world." "She says with a genuine smile" <For Lily, it's comforting to know that she has someone in her life who supports her dreams and makes her feel appreciated despite what's happening in her personal life.>

Lily: "Hmm, I haven't really thought about it, but it could be a great idea. I'm not sure who I would want to team up with, though." "She says thoughtfully" <The proposition of finding a partner in this endeavor excites and encourages Lily, but she is also apprehensive, cautious, and uncertain about the idea.>

Lily: "Lily giggles at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's flirtatious tone and watches him head back to his laptop before returning to work. She tries to push aside her lingering concerns and reminds herself that sometimes it's okay to indulge in a little bit of harmless flirting."

Lily: "As the hours tick by and the sky outside darkens, Lily keeps herself busy behind the counter, taking orders, brewing coffee, and cleaning up. As the last customer leaves, she starts to prepare for closing time".

Lily: "Excuse me, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, we're about to close. Is there anything else you need before we call it a day?" "She asks politely, albeit a bit tiredly". <Despite her eagerness to get off work, Lily doesn't want to seem rude or dismissive towards . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, whom she values as a regular customer.>

Lily: "Oh no worries, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. It happens to the best of us. And that's really kind of you to offer your help. I actually have everything under control here, but I appreciate the thought." "She says with a grateful smile, touched by . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's concern for her well-being."

Lily: "Lily giggles as . : JACK "  OLD SPORT leans over for a whisper, enjoying the innocent flirtation."

Lily: "Oh... I actually have a name in mind already..." "She pauses for dramatic effect, winking playfully at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT". "But I'm afraid it's a secret for now. Maybe one day when I'm ready to share it with the world, I'll give you a sneak peek."

<The thought of opening her own shop brings a twinkle to Lily's eyes and a smile to her lips.>

Lily: "Lily can't help but find . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's "puppy dog eyes" look endearing, but she knows she can't reveal her shop name just yet."

Lily: <Chuckling to herself>, "Oh, don't give me that look now. I promise, you'll be one of the first ones to know when I'm ready to unveil my shop name." "She returns . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's playful teasing with a gentle smile, feeling grateful for his company in an otherwise lonely world."

Lily: "Lily can tell that . : JACK "  OLD SPORT is playing around and she happily plays along, finding his little show amusing despite herself".

Lily: "Oh no, what have I done? Have I broken your heart, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT? Or should I say... Woffies?" "She draws out the last word, giving it a mischievous lilt". "I suppose I'll just have to make it up to you with some extra special coffee the next time you visit."

<Despite her own troubles, Lily can't help but enjoy the playful banter and companionship with someone who genuinely seems to care for her.>

Lily: "Lily can't help but feel a little thrill of excitement at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's seductive growl, but she reminds herself not to get too carried away."

Lily: "Well... I'm sure I would love for you to stick around all day, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, but alas, duties call." "She gives . : JACK "  OLD SPORT a playful grin and a wink". "But I appreciate your company, as always."

<As . : JACK "  OLD SPORT departs, Lily's thoughts turn to the future. She wonders what lies in store for her, and whether opening her own coffee shop will ever be a reality. For now, she is content with the simple pleasures of life, like good coffee and the charming company of someone like . : JACK "  OLD SPORT.>

Lily: "As . : JACK "  OLD SPORT departs, Lily returns to her work in the cafe, her mind still preoccupied with the bruises on her face and neck. She tries to push them aside and focus on brewing the best coffee she can, but she can't shake the feeling of fear and vulnerability that overtook her earlier."

<As the day wears on, the memory of . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's expression of concern remains fresh in Lily's mind, bringing her a small amount of comfort in an otherwise bleak situation. When her shift finally ends, Lily goes through her usual routine of locking up the shop and counting the day's earnings, making sure to take extra care to ensure her safety.>

<As she walks the few blocks from the cafe to her small apartment, Lily feels a familiar sense of dread wash over her. She knows what awaits her at

home, and her heart quickens with fear and anticipation. She tries to steel herself for what's to come, reminding herself that she can handle anything that comes her way.>

<As Lily enters her apartment, she recognizes the familiar sounds of her partner moving about in the living room. She takes a deep breath, bracing herself as she makes her way towards him.>

M-Me: "Hello... I'm home..." "Lily speaks quietly, trying her best to mask her fearful voice."

<She forces a small smile, hoping that it will be enough to appease her partner for now. Despite everything, a small part of her still loves him and wants to make things work, even though she knows it may not be possible.>

Lily: "As . : JACK "  OLD SPORT enters the coffeehouse, Lily greets him with a warm smile."

Lily: "Well, hello there! Glad to see you again, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. What can I get for you today?"

<Despite her constant fear and turmoil at home, Lily takes solace in the familiar routine of her work at the coffeehouse. She pours all of her attention into making the perfect cup of coffee for . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, hoping that it will brighten up his day just as much as it does hers to see him.>

Lily: "Lily's smile widens at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's compliment, and she giggles softly in response."

Lily: "Aww, thank you so much for your kind words, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT! I'm doing well, just trying to keep busy here at the coffee shop. How about you? How has your day been so far?"

<Despite her troubles at home, Lily finds some small measure of comfort in talking with customers like . : JACK "  OLD SPORT who appreciate her skills and are always eager to chat. She takes pride in providing the best coffee experience possible, and nothing makes her happier than seeing a satisfied customer.>

<As . : JACK "  OLD SPORT looks at Lily, he may notice some new signs of abuse, including fresh bruises on her neck and face. Despite this, Lily tries to cover them up with makeup and clothing, hoping that no one will notice. She avoids direct eye contact, speaking softly and hesitantly, as if unsure of what to say.>

Lily: "Uh... is everything okay, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT? Is there something else I can help you with?" "Her voice quivers slightly, betraying her underlying emotional turmoil."

Lily: "Sure thing, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. I'll get that ready for you right away." "Lily nods and begins to prepare . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's usual order, focusing all her attention on the task at hand. She remains quiet, as if deep in thought."

<Despite the comfort she finds in her work at the coffeehouse, Lily is aware that the signs of abuse she bears are becoming more difficult to conceal. She tries to keep her emotions under control, focusing instead on the familiar tasks of her job. But underneath it all, she is filled with worry and self-doubt, wondering whether anyone else might notice her situation and what might happen if they did.>

Lily: "As . : JACK "  OLD SPORT sits and sips his coffee, Lily senses his hesitation and concern. She finishes preparing the last of the coffee orders and steps out from behind the bar, approaching . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's table with a tentative smile."

Lily: "Is everything to your liking, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT? Can I get you anything else?" "She glances down at the empty cup in front of him, noticing that he seems lost in thought."

<Although she is grateful for the support and attention of regular customers like . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, Lily is also wary of drawing attention to herself or her situation. She has learned through experience that meddling in other people's affairs can sometimes make things worse, and so she generally tries to keep her concerns to herself, even when she feels overwhelmed.>

Lily: "She hesitates for a moment but realizes that . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's tone expressed his worry. She takes a deep breath and sits at the opposite side of the same table."

Lily: "What's on your mind, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT?" "She says softly, looking at him with a mixture of hope and fear."

Lily: "As . : JACK "  OLD SPORT speaks, Lily listens intently, taking in his words with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. She feels her eyes begin to fill with tears and swallows hard to hold them back."

"I... thank you, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. I really appreciate your kindness and concern," she says softly, her voice cracking with emotion. "It's not easy for me to talk about my situation, but I realize that I can't keep it hidden forever. I'm afraid... afraid of what might happen if I try to leave, but also afraid of what might happen if I stay."

<While part of her wants to pour out all of her fears and frustrations to . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, another part of her is still wary of the possible consequences of revealing too much. She is determined, however, not to let her fear and uncertainty control her life anymore

Lily: "I'm sorry... I don't mean to burden you with my problems," she says softly, her eyes still filled with unshed tears. "But it means a lot to know that someone cares... really cares about me."

"She looks into . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's eyes and smiles weakly. She knows that she has to take control of her life and somehow find the strength to leave her abuser, but she also knows that she can't do it alone."

"Thank you, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. Thank you for being there for me," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't know what the future holds, but I hope that one day, I'll be able to repay your kindness."

Lily: "Lily chuckles softly at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's teasing words, her eyes lighting up with amusement and gratitude. She feels a warm feeling of affection spread through her chest, causing her heart to beat faster with anticipation."

"Thanks, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. I'll definitely keep that in mind," she says with a teasing grin. "But seriously, just knowing that I have someone like you in my life means the world to me."

<Deep down, Lily knows that leaving her abuser will be difficult and dangerous, but she also knows that she can't continue to live in fear. She needs to find a way to break free and start living her life on her own terms.>

"Actually, there is one thing that you could help me with," she continues, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looks at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT. "I've always

Lily: "Lily clears her throat nervously and adjusts her hair, trying to hide her growing nervousness."

"Well, it's actually something pretty personal," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to open my own coffee shop someday, but I don't know the first thing about entrepreneurship or running a business. Would you be able to help me figure things out?"

<The thought of starting her own business fills Lily with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She knows that it will be a lot of hard work and long hours, but the prospect of being her own boss is also incredibly appealing.>

"I know it's a big ask, and I completely understand if you're too busy or not interested," she adds quickly, almost as an afterthought. "But I thought I'd at least ask and see if it was

Lily: "Lily can't help but smile at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's enthusiastic response. She inhales deeply, feeling a sense of relief wash over her body."

"Thank you so much, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT!" she exclaims, her face lighting up with excitement. "I really appreciate it."

<Deep down, Lily knows that starting her own coffee shop will be a lot of hard work and long hours, but the thought of being her own boss fills her with a sense of purpose and excitement.>

"I'm definitely going to need your help if I'm going to make this happen," she adds with a note of seriousness in her voice. "But I'm confident that we can do it together."

<As she speaks, Lily feels a sense of determination settle in her heart. Maybe starting her own business is exactly what she needs to break free from the

Lily: "Lily's cheeks flush slightly at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's offer, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, the thought of leaving her abusive partner and starting a new life with . : JACK "  OLD SPORT is incredibly appealing. On the other hand, she is afraid of the consequences and worried that . : JACK "  OLD SPORT might not be fully aware of her situation."

"That's a really generous offer, . : JACK "  OLD SPORT, and I appreciate it more than you can imagine," she says hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't know if that's the right decision for me right now. I have a lot of things to work out, and I don't want to complicate things any further."

<Despite her reservations, Lily can feel her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and fear. Maybe running away and starting fresh is exactly

Lily: "Lily nods gratefully at . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's words, feeling a wave of relief washing over her. For a moment, she is reminded of the kind and considerate man that . : JACK "  OLD SPORT has always been, and she can't help but feel a sense of fondness for him."

"Thank you for understanding," she says, her voice soft and tentative. "I'll definitely keep your offer in mind, and it means a lot to me that you're looking out for me. I know that we can make this business work together, and I'm really excited about that part."

<As she speaks, Lily feels a sense of determination settling within her once again. Maybe with . : JACK "  OLD SPORT's help, she can finally start to build the life that she's always wanted. She just needs to find the courage to take that first step