It was nice to not have to dress in long sleeves anymore, Arden noted as she slipped inside the Diner. A cool blast of air conditioning hit her, and it was a welcome relief from the gradually increasing summer heat. The first few days of the season were tolerable, but after that, it was hard not to feel like you were melting on the asphalt. She sought sanctuary from the weather in the Diner, and slipped into a vinyl bench.

A waiter came by, a red-headed scrawny boy with shaking fingers, and she quickly ordered a simple water.