Chapter 6: Joy Café

"Wendy, is mom here yet?" Cara asked the petite girl with ash blonde hair. Wendy Noble is their full-time worker in their café. She’s really kind and sweet and they treat her like she's part of the family.

Wendy smiled and nodded before answering, "Yes, she's in the kitchen."

"Thanks, Wendy. Let's eat lunch together later?"

"Sure, Cara. I know a new place not far from here, let's eat there." Wendy said as she cleaned the counter. Cara giggled and made an 'OK' before going to the kitchen and there she saw her mother baking.

Ever since her dad left, her mother started baking bread and other pastries to earn a living. Since she was a housewife before and doesn't have any job, she thought of selling baked goods to support Cara's studies since she was only in highschool back then, and also survive in their everyday lives.

Cara sells the pastries, those which her mother bakes, door to door and because Lillian is a great baker, they got loyal customers. Soon they have enough money to fund a small café that is now up and running for many years and still counting.

The café has a warm blissful ambiance. Customers can read books stacked on the shelves attached to the walls and read it there at their couches or as you eat on your table. There is a corner for board games like chess, scrabble and monopoly. Cara and Lillian designated a space for kids and put on a mini playpen with toys and children's books for the café to be child friendly. Walls are decorated with colorful smileys and positive sayings. The place really lives up to its name, Joy Café.

"Cara, darling, what are you doing here?" Lillian asked as soon as her daughter hugged her from behind.

"Mom, it's winter break remember? I'll be here to help you full time. And since I'm here, Wendy can take a vacation." Cara said as she put on an apron and tied her hair in a bun.

"Okay, then. Could you take out the trash first, then? I forgot to take it out last night."

"Sure, mom." Cara proceeded to empty the trash bin and then she went outside to find the nearest garbage disposal area to throw it. She went back to the café and stopped on her tracks when she saw a man, wearing a dark blue coat and black pants, standing in front of the café.

The man faced Cara whose eyes were widened and her mouth slightly opened.

"Caroline." the man was trembling as he spoke in a hoarse voice.

Cara closed her mouth and clenched her fists. All sorts of emotions started to build up inside her. Even if she was shaking inside she mustered her courage to reply in a clear firm tone.

"Dad."