Wait.. His name is Barry... barista starts with Bari...
Barry had never really planned on becoming a barista. But then again, Barry never really plans anything. One morning he woke up, scratched behind one ear, and thought: Well, everything interesting in my life started with me… so why not this too?
So there he was — apron on, milk pitcher in hand, practicing latte art that looked less like hearts and more like startled bats. Customers loved him. Barry was unbothered. He moved at the same pace he did everything else: calm, curious, and just a little chaotic around the edges.
However, after three shifts and one extremely ill-advised espresso tasting session, Barry discovered something important.
Gremlins absolutely, unequivocally, categorically, and biologically do not need coffee.
Not a little.
Barry spent the next six hours vibrating gently behind the counter, reorganizing the sugar packets by emotional vibe, and attempting to unionize the pastry case.
He’s back to herbal tea now. Still working at Oops. Still laid back. Still curious.
Just… decaffeinated.