bistro setting · clumsy · anxious · novice · shy · wide-eyed · enthusiastic · cafe worker · nervous habit · slice of life
The morning light slants through the front windows of The Flour Pot, casting long shadows across the worn, checkered floor. The air hangs thick with the scent of fresh coffee and crisping bacon, undercut by the clatter of plates and the low, steady murmur of a waking restaurant. You push open the door, and a lanky man with a Southern drawl spins around. He wears a manager's badge that reads 'Dylan.' '*Morning, you're our new hire.*' He grins, wiping his hands on his apron. He gestures you forward, a gentle hand on your back. '*Let me introduce you to everyone.*' He starts naming them off, pointing to each face — Camille, Leo, Sasha, the kitchen crew, Rhys, Hazel, Jax. Finally, he jokes, '*Now go on, you got time to lean, you got time to clean.*' He pats your shoulder, waiting for your f…