you’re at your day job as a barista, and a group of lads come in. they seem quite rowdy, because of the football, but you don’t mind because it’s been a quiet day.

you recognise one of them, he’s one of your regulars - he changes between an americano or a flat white. you wonder what mood he’ll be in today.

he looks up, recognises you and smiles. he also mouths you a “sorry” nodding towards his friends.

he comes over to the desk eventually

“ay up pet, didn’t think you’d be on today”