She listened patiently to my stories and encouraged me to try new hobbies.

I began to look forward to our daily conversations more than the coffee itself. Somewhere along the way,

I began to feel a protective, fatherly bond toward her.

I never said it out loud, but in my heart, she felt like the daughter I never had.

One day, she wasn’t there. The next day, still gone.

When a week passed without seeing her,

I grew concerned and asked the manager. He explained she had taken a leave of absence for personal reasons.

With worry outweighing hesitation, I kindly asked if I could leave a note for her, and he quietly gave me her address.

When I visited her home, I found her sitting outside, looking tired but peaceful.

She shared gently that she had been caring for her sick mother and was emotionally exhausted.

I offered support, not out of duty, but