Notes From The Plot Twist Café

July 1

 I decided to keep this journal because I’ve been increasingly unsettled by several of our patrons. Today is going to be very hot, but the customers still lined up at the door this morning for their coffee. Mr. Black was first in line, as he is every Wednesday. When I asked how his morning was going, he looked at me as though I were speaking a different language. He said it was fine and asked for his usual.

July 2

Kelly said something strange this morning. I was restocking the syrups when she asked if I was “feeling okay today.” I told her I was fine—just tired from the early shift. She gave me this look, like she didn’t believe me, and said I seemed “a little off” yesterday. I don’t remember anything unusual happening. I made everyone’s drinks, wiped down the tables, and even stayed late to help clean. I think Kelly worries too much. People get dramatic when they don’t drink enough coffee.

July 3

 I didn’t think this morning would be busy. Everyone should be getting ready for the holiday. I come in every day at 5:00, rain or shine. By 9:00, we had quite the rowdy crowd. Everyone was shouting their orders at me as though they thought I had lost my hearing or something.

July 4

I came in early today, thinking we’d have a quiet morning before everyone headed out for their barbecues. But when I unlocked the door, a group of customers pushed in behind me like they’d been waiting all night. One man asked if we were doing “holiday specials,” which I thought was odd; who drinks themed coffee at six in the morning? Someone else asked if we had any “cold ones.” I told him all our drinks are served hot unless he wants iced coffee. He laughed so loudly it echoed off the walls. People get so strange around holidays.

July 6

Today was so strange! A lady asked me for a glass of red wine. I told her we don’t serve wine. She furrowed her brows and stared at me for twenty seconds too long. It got really awkward, so I told her I’d let her think about her drink order and come back.

July 8

 Mr. Black came in a little later today and found a seat at the counter. I asked if he wanted some foam art in his cappuccino, and he just shook his head. I brought him his usual and asked what he was going to do today. He sighed and told me it was nearly 11:00.

July 10

 I was standing at the milk steamer working on an order when my coworker, Kelly, shouted my name. I jumped and looked at her. She told me I was overfilling my glass. I thought it was weird that she called my mug a glass. And how could I overfill anything with the milk steamer?!

July 11  

One man kept asking me for a shot, but he was slurring the word, so I assumed he had recently had a stroke. I’m not sure espresso is all that good for him. I asked him if maybe he would prefer water or juice. He got angry and started shouting, “Shots! Shots!” Then other people joined in. I relented and started serving up espresso shots.

July 14

Two women climbed up onto my counter and started dancing! What in the world? I’m so tired of the dramatics. One of them tried to grab the “tip jar,” but it was full of bottle caps for some reason. I told them to get down before they slipped, but they just laughed and asked if I wanted to join them. I swear, people act like this place is some kind of nightclub. It’s a café. Why is that so hard for everyone to remember?

July 15

My boss told me I was “cut off.” What is she talking about? I wasn’t even drinking coffee. She said it like I’d done something wrong, then took the mug right out of my hand. I tried explaining that I always taste-test the brews to make sure the flavor is right, but she just gave me this look, half annoyed, half worried, and told me to take a break. A break from what? I swear, everyone here is acting strange lately. It’s like they’re all seeing something I’m not.

July 17

 Today was super weird. I was wiping down the counter and then, before I knew it, it was time to close. I lost a whole chunk of the day somewhere in the middle. I’m starting to wonder what my boss puts in the coffee here.

July 18

My boss told me she could smell me from a hundred feet away. I thought that was pretty rude. I’m diligent with my personal hygiene. Maybe I have coffee breath? So I started sucking on mints. She still wrinkled her nose when she walked past me, though, and said something about “the bottles in the back room.” I don’t know what she meant. I haven’t touched anything except the syrups. Honestly, I think she’s imagining things. People get dramatic when they’re stressed.

July 20

Today was my last day. My boss fired me, claiming customers have been complaining about my drinking. I told her I’m up late every night and need the caffeine, but she wouldn’t listen. I don’t understand how anyone expects a barista to stay alert without coffee. Honestly, I think everyone here has lost their minds.

July 21

I came in this morning to grab my apron, but the door was locked. I knocked for a while before Kelly opened it and told me I “really shouldn’t be here.” She said they’d already hired someone to replace me. I asked if I could at least make myself a quick cup before leaving, but she stepped in front of the counter like I was about to do something dangerous. I don’t know what’s gotten into everyone lately. It’s like they’re all pretending this isn’t a café anymore.