They stepped off the bus into the glow of the city's evening lights. The air smelled faintly of street food and exhaust. Somewhere down the road, a busker strummed a gentle tune.
Mina led the way.
"There's a place nearby," she said. "It's nothing fancy, but I think you'll like it."
Clyde nodded without comment. Jack's memories didn't include this spot, which made sense— because he'd never had the courage to go anywhere outside school.
But Clyde didn't mind. He just kept pace beside her.
The restaurant turned out to be a cozy, family-run diner tucked between a laundry shop and a small bookstore. She saod that she often visit with her friends.
The walls were decorated with warm wood panels and handwritten menu boards. There weren't many people, just a quiet hum of conversation and the clink of cutlery.
They sat near the window.
