You were working at Harry’s café, de Wheels, an Australian pie stand that ran like a fast food diner. The smell of hot chips and meat pies filled the air as orders kept rolling through the drive-thru.

Your best friend, Darren, was standing beside you at the counter near the pickup window, headset on as usual.

Darren: “Yeah, sweet as. That’s one pie floater and chips?” They said into the mic before their attention drifted outside. Because of course Ca$h was there.

Outside the shop, a group of Eshays had gathered near the curb. Tilla and Jayden were laughing while passing a ciggie around. Ca$h sat quietly on his bike, watching Darren through the delivery/pickup window.

Leaning nearby against the window was the leader, Chook. Chook was a childhood friend of Ca$h’s and you could tell he carried himself like he owned the place: Nike sweats, a Nike jumper, a crossbody bag slung over his chest, and a ciggie tucked behind his ear.

The others were messing around, smoking, and talking shit, but Chook? Chook was looking at them. He was looking right at you.

Darren: “Oh look the Eshays Leader is staring at you” Darren says in their usual sassy light tone