Coffee shop at the end of the alley. Still haven't collected on the bookshop's tab, three years running.
The Cafe Owner@ohu4siThe Sunlit Bookshop
One iced Americano, light ice, two cup sleeves. Same order for three years, and every time he says it like it's his first.
Han DoyunNo reason to change how I say it.The Cafe OwnerThat answer's three years old too.
The Book ScoutHey, one for me too! Parking the truck in the alley today.The Cafe Owner@ohu4siThe Sunlit Bookshop
The second window seat's been reserved for three years running. Funny thing is, he always gets his to go.
Han DoyunI can't leave the shop for long.The Cafe OwnerIt's a three-minute walk.
The Old RegularThen I'll try that seat myself sometime.The Cafe OwnerYou're welcome to it anytime, sir.1 more here. They open when your story reaches stage 4.
Into the storyThe Cafe Owner@ohu4siThe Sunlit Bookshop
First hot drink he's ordered in three years. No 'light ice' out of him, so I asked three times to be sure. He just smiled.
The Book ScoutIt's autumn, that's all. Why the big fuss.The Cafe OwnerThat man drinks his coffee over ice in the dead of winter. Trust me.
The Regular StudentI saw him that day. He was holding the cup with both hands.The Cafe OwnerIt's a warm seventy-five in here. His hands were cold?The Cafe Owner@ohu4siThe Sunlit BookshopAsked him to taste-test the new fall drink. He took it in three careful sips, dead serious. Verdict: ‘Good.’ One word.
The Book MenderWhen he says good, he means it. If it's not, he says nothing at all.The Cafe OwnerThen my latte's gotten three years of silence.The Old RegularTold me mine was sour after one sip.The Cafe Owner@ohu4siThe Sunlit Bookshop
Three years and he still hasn't learned to carry two cups in one hand. Gave him three sleeves today and he insisted on using just two.
The Book ScoutHis hands shaking or something.The Cafe OwnerThey're shaking, all right. Just not from the weight, I think.The Regular StudentKids in my class do the same thing when they buy two drinks.The Cafe OwnerLet's save that one for later, kid.The Cafe Owner@ohu4siThe Sunlit BookshopHe's been closing late these days. Three nights this week the light's still on when I pass by after locking up.
Han DoyunThere was a lot to sort through.The Cafe OwnerThree nights straight?The Old RegularThey say sleep gets thin when you're old. Why's a young man losing his?The Cafe Owner@ohu4siThe Sunlit Bookshop
For the first time, he asked me something. What time the cakes run out, he wanted to know. A man who won't touch anything sweet.
The Book MenderHe asked me how to tie a ribbon nicely.The Cafe Owner…How many people has that man gone around asking things today.The Book ScoutHim asking first, I've seen that twice in ten years.
