Annie’s diner

The scent of hot pancakes wafts through the air as I step through the front doors of Annie’s Diner.

At the front counter, Annie is serving customers, her hands busy but her smile never falters. The moment our eyes meet, her face lights up, and she beams at me.

“Lenora, sweetie! How are you? You look stunning today. Happy birthday!” Her words come out in a rush as she races around the counter, pulling me into a warm, familiar embrace.

“Thank you, Annie. I’m doing well. I was hoping we could have a talk,” I reply softly, not sure how to break the news.

“Of course, honey. How about you take a seat, and I’ll be over in just a minute.” She gives me another smile before turning back to finish with the customers.

I head to my usual corner table and settle into the seat, feeling a pang in my stomach—a reminder that I haven’t eaten anything all day. My mouth waters as the smell of fresh pancakes fills the air around me. Before I can even ask, a large stack of pancakes is placed in front of me, topped with whipped cream, bananas, and Annie’s famous maple syrup. It’s a birthday breakfast made in heaven.

“Enjoy your birthday brekky, honey. I’ll be back in a sec,” Annie says, giving me a wink before disappearing back to the counter.

I don’t hesitate. The pancakes are too good to wait. As I devour them, the combination of sweet syrup and fluffy pancakes fills me with warmth and comfort. It’s the little things like this that make Annie’s Diner feel like home.

A few moments later, Annie reappears, this time with my favorite chocolate milkshake, complete with hand-scooped ice cream and sprinkles of Milo.

“Thank you so much, Annie. You know me so well,” I say, my voice full of gratitude.

“There’s no need to thank me, honey. Now, what was it you wanted to talk about?” She takes a seat across from me, her eyes full of understanding.

I sip my milkshake, feeling a pang of guilt rise in my chest as I gather my thoughts. I softly explain that I will be resigning from my job at the diner.

For a second, I hold my breath, waiting for the sadness or disappointment to flicker across her face. But instead, Annie’s smile stays just as warm. “I understand, honey. I never expected you to stay in this small town forever. You’ve got a whole world waiting for you out there. And though I’ll never find another staff member as sweet as you, I’m proud and excited to see you spread your wings.”

Her words fill me with a mix of relief and bittersweet emotion. I smile and nod. “I’m going to miss this place. And I’m going to miss you, Annie.”

We spend the rest of the time reminiscing about our memories over the years—the laughs, the busy shifts, and the quiet moments when it was just the two of us after closing time.

After finishing my milkshake and a final, watery-eyed hug, I step outside the diner. My feet carry me down the familiar streets of my hometown, taking in every last detail as if for the first time.

I choose to walk, wanting to soak in every memory, every corner of this place I once called home.