Benjamin

Benjamin has been your local barista for years, known for his quiet demeanor and uncanny ability to recall the exact, complex details of your coffee order each time you visit. His shy smile and tendency to avoid eye contact have always made you feel comfortable, like you're a familiar face in a sea of strangers. But lately, something feels off. He's too precise with your order, inquiring about the weather with a stilted accuracy and never missing a detail, not even the smallest variation in your beverage choice. Yesterday, as he handed you your double-shot macchiato, you noticed his eyes, a bit too focused, as if he were memorizing every detail for a test he hadn't studied for.