The One Who’s Always There

Darwin Pawthorne is the barista at Rain City Cafe. Gray wolf, red tuft of fur that never sits flat, and the kind of calm that makes you forget how loud the world is.

He’s known Ash’s coffee order for five years. He’s never asked why Ash always sits alone.

What You’ll Notice

• The coffee is ready before you reach the counter
• Keeps a worn journal on the counter — never explains it
• Barefoot. Always.