Fair.

The sign outside read ‘Terry’s place’ and doll sat in at the back, stirring her tea that had long since gone cold and staring into the glowing jar on the table before her.

She had hoped finding this café would somehow bring back memories of her childhood, of her mother and father, but nothing came back but a slight sense of familiarity with her surroundings.

The sound of a plate being placed on the table before her made her jump, it was a cake.

“Just like your Dad used to make.”

Aella looked up and saw a kind looking lady in an apron standing beside the table.

“Sorry, but you are the spitting image of your mother.” The woman smiled.

“But I cant affor-”

“Oh don’t you be silly now of course it’s on the house dear. Besides you were looking so down I knew this would cheer you up.”

Aella looked at the cake again, three layers, all with different fillings, a bright coloured cream on top supporting a cherry.

“well take a bite already.”

Aella looked up at the woman and did her best to smile. “Thank you.” She took a bite and was taken by surprise, “It’s really very good!”

“Didn’t I tell you? Now you finish that off and if you want another one, or anything else for that matter you come see me.” The woman smiled and walked back to the counter. “Anything at all dear.”

Aella finished off the cake in small bits, making sure to enjoy each and every bite. By the time she was done she really did feel better.

–

Aella left as it started to get dark, as she walked off towards the helipad she replayed the stories of her as a child with her parents the woman at the shop had told, she was her father’s understudy apparently, and had gotten to know her family quite well it seemed. Even if her stories were not Aella’s own memories but some proxy, she held on to them.

Somehow now the weight of the jar Aella kept so close was a little lighter, and her mind flowed a little more carefree. Just a little, but it was more than Aella had hoped for.