Renee arrived early.
The café was quiet in that pre-dawn way that made kitchens feel like sacred spaces. Mae already had the lights on, sleeves rolled, coffee brewing strong enough to wake the dead.
"You're on time," Mae said, glancing at the clock.
"I like being useful before anyone's watching," Renee replied.
Mae huffed once—approval disguised as indifference. "Wash up."
Renee tied on an apron and went to work. No hesitation, no fumbling. Measuring, kneading, cleaning as she went. The motions came easily, muscle memory from a life that still felt close enough to touch.
Mae watched her for nearly an hour before speaking again.
"You start tomorrow," she said at last. "Hourly. Paid weekly."
Renee let herself smile. "Thank you."
Mae wiped her hands on a towel. "I heard you asked about the apartment upstairs."
"Yes," Renee said quickly. "If it's still available."
"It is. If you're working here, I'd rather rent to you than leave it empty."
---
The apartment was plain but clean. Hardwood floors, a narrow kitchen, one bedroom with a single window overlooking the street.
Renee stepped inside and felt the quiet settle around her.
"I can cover first month and deposit," she said, already reaching for her bag. "I have my checkbook."
Mae nodded. "That'll do."
Renee wrote the check carefully, signing Renee Higginbotham in neat handwriting. The system stayed silent, letting the moment belong to her.
[STABILITY ACHIEVED]
[Housing Secured (Non-System)
Employment Secured (Non-System)]
---
Later, alone in the apartment, Renee sat on the bare floor with her phone and address book.
She dialed the dorm payphone number she knew by heart.
"Hey," she said when her friend picked up. "I stayed in Washington. Long story."
There was a pause. Then laughter. "Of course you did."
"I need a favor," Renee continued. "Could you pack up my things? Clothes, books, notebooks—everything. I'll mail you a check for shipping and your trouble."
"You're serious."
"I am," Renee said gently. "I'll send the check tomorrow."
"Alright," her friend said after a beat. "We've got you."
Renee hung up and exhaled, tension leaving her shoulders before she picked up the phone again to call Renne's college admission's office. Thankfully Renee hasn't locked in to anything, she was more 'I'll see how it goes' sort of person which made the next call a lot easier.
---
She was carrying her suitcase upstairs when she nearly collided with Charlie on the landing, near the entrance of the cafe.
"Careful," he said, steadying the bag. "Looks like you moved in."
"Just barely," Renee replied. "I'm still waiting on my things."
He nodded. "That happens a lot here. People arrive before they're settled."
The system chimed softly.
[RELATIONAL NODE UPDATE]
[Charlie Swan:
Trust Level: FAMILIAR → STEADY
Trajectory: SLOW-BURN]
---
That night, Renee sat on the floor with a mug of tea Mae had lent her, listening to the rain. The café's warmth rose through the floorboards, steady and reassuring.
She didn't have furniture yet.
She didn't have her belongings.
But she had time.
And choices.
And a place that felt like it might hold her.
"This will do," she whispered.
The system answered quietly.
[HOST STATUS]
[Emotional Stability: STABLE
Long-Term Viability: PROMISING]