Maybe, thinks Samuel Fernandez, working here is a very bad idea.

As the girl gestures around the bar, showing him where each machine stands proudly, he tries to commit it to memory. Her eyes light up, wide and bright like a shining staff, showing off the new, complex coffee press, standing proudly beside the sink and the syrup dispensers. A little set of tea bags also sits alongside the other contraptions.

Sam's eyebrows furrowed as he scrutinized every piece of machinery. The dark haired girl - Leah, right? - snaps her thin fingers in front of his face as he recoils backward, almost knocking a steaming flask of water onto the floor. His arms flail as he grasps for an empty counter to hold onto.

"You okay, Sam?" says Leah. She seems genuinely concerned, but she can't hide the small smile of disappointment for the moment it plays upon her lips. "You seemed a little...overwhelmed." Was she mocking him with those cherry lips and her mischevious eyes, each a drop of ancient amber in the midst of an inky forest.

"Yeah." Sam looks around, to see Michelle not-so-covertly spying on his initiation tour. She huddles behind a chair, averting her curious gaze to the table which she vigorously scrubs yet again. Leah sighs and he swallows the ocean of fear in his throat. "This whole thing - it's a lot."

Leah just smiles. Does she ever stop? It always seems like she's brimming with energy, even in the morning. But is it real?  says a small voice in his head. He presses his lips together as she peppily continues. "Don't worry. Though we're not as insane as Starbucks, it's hard to get used to the lifestyle. You'll learn." She clasps her hands together. "It's better once you get through the first day - basically, your initiation."

His eyebrows scrunch together as notes of laughter echo through the rustic haven, bathing in the golden rays of the newborn sun.

"Your interview was more of a screening. This-" says Leah, placing her hands on her lips, beside the pockets of her blue jeggings. "-is your real test."

"And?" Her space between her lips slowly grows, as if they ache to say more.

"And-" Her gaze sharpens, her smile faltering almost imperceptibly. Her teeth gnaw on her bottom lip and she crosses her lithe arms around herself, her fingers tightening and pinching her pale skin. "-it would be sad to see another one drop out after orientation."

"Another one?"

"Oh, she didn't tell you?" Her eyes brighten with joy, but not one of feather winged residents which flew through the watercolor splotches that dotted the cerulean sky. Her radiant smile returns, with a hint of snide laughter. "She was having a problem finding a trainee who didn't screw up constantly. Good luck!"

Sam rubs his icy fingers against the bridge of his nose, breathing slowly as the manager, Vidya, strolled out from her miniature office, the chatter of the employees' silenced by her imposing presence.

She flips the sign on the door.

"And we're open for business," whispers Leah, under her breath. With a quick heave, she's cheerful once again.

Sam, on the other hand, closes his eyes and crosses his fingers.