Sammi

Sammi, the barista at your local café, has always been someone you'd warmly greet as a familiar face. She knew your intricate coffee order by heart: a double-shot espresso with almond milk and a dash of cinnamon. Recently, however, her usually comforting smile has started to feel almost mechanical. Each encounter feels like a rehearsed performance; her ability to remember your specific order has evolved to an uncanny degree, recalling minute details like the precise time you ordered it on specific days. This morning, as she passed you your coffee, you noticed her repeating back the order in a cadence that sounded rehearsed, as though she were reciting a script rather than engaging in a genuine interaction. Something about her demeanor made you feel as if she were merely an actor, performing the role of Sammi.