The Take a Minute was the most important place in all of Mothlight Meadows. It was the best cafe, placed perfectly in the center of town, and run by the expert barista, Kasuma. It was the height of chill and comfort, and Kazuma was always helpful and seemed to have an innate sense of what each customer needed. Plus their coffee and pastries were next to none.

I really enjoyed Take a Minute because Kazuma knows my usual and doesn’t really talk to me unless I come up to them first. It was a good place to get out...without actually socializing. Though because of my weird schedule, I didn’t visit as much as I did the Innsmouth Diner.

But I had nothing going on today, so I thought I’d stop in and enjoy myself, before going to the bookstore next door. I left the house so that I could arrive between the morning and lunch rush, so the cafe was pretty empty.

I was in my usual seat, with my newly purchased book, a cold brew with oatmilk, and a waffle, enjoying the peace, when the door opened, bell jingling. A boy floated in, a couple inches off the ground, grinning widely and immediately called to Kazuma, “Kaz, the doc says my blood sugar is normal!”

“My we can’t have that.” Kazuma said playfully, already turning towards the bar. “Your usual, then?”

“Mess me up!” the boy grinned.

I snickered. I didn’t mean to, but it just slipped out. So I snuffed out the humor on my face, and tried to focus in on my book, hoping that no one would look at me.

But the boy turned to me and gave possibly the cutest smile ever. He floated over, and leaned against the chair opposite my chair. “Well hey there, I’m Eamon. You new to Mothlight? I thought I knew every satyr that worked here.”

“Oh...uhm not new, no.” I muttered, placing a bookmark into my spot and closing it. “I just usually work at night.”

“Oh, really? What do you do?” He asked, I opened my mouth to answer, when Kazuma cut me off. 

“Eamon, your monstrosity is ready.” They chuckled, pushing forward an extra large pink...something. I wasn’t entirely sure.

“Thanks, Kaz.” Eamon grinned, walking over. “I’m gonna need the energy.”

“That thing is the opposite of energy providing.” Kazuma snorted, before going to clean mugs.

“Mind if I sit here?” Eamon asked, returning to me. 

I had opened up my book again, and was surprised at the question. “Oh...uhm...yeah...I mean yes you can sit...there.” I stuttered, feeling idiotic.

But Eamon just grinned, and sat across from me, rather he hovered above the seat. “Thanks a bunch. I’m about to do a looooot of walking, I could use a rest.”

“Take a Minute, right?” I cringed at my stupid joke.

Eamon laughed. “Exactly. Take a Minute.”

“Uhm...” I replayed the last five minutes to try and figuring out a way to make conversation, finally coming up with a weak “Why will you be walking?”

Expert conversationalist. I should teach classes.

“Oooh well some weird stuff’s been going on in our woods, the O’ Dubghall woods, I’m an O’ Dubghall by the way, and I want to go check it out, see what’s with all the weird noises and ghost stories.” His eyes went wide with an idea. “Say do you want to come with? I can show you around, plus it wouldn’t hurt to have someone with me in case something spooky really is lurking about.”

“Oh...uhm...” I mean, if it was a ghost or something I probably should go with, in case it’s dangerous. Or lost. “Sure. That’s a good idea I think.”

The druids didn’t usually like me in the woods, but if I was with an O’ Dubghall that must mean it’s okay, right?

“Awesome!” Eamon beamed, leaping up. “Than let’s get going. What’d you say your name was again?”

“I uh didn’t. My names Isaac the-”

“Pleasure to meet ya, Isaac. Name sounds familiar.” He muttered, scratching his chin, as he floated towards the door.

“It should.” I muttered, gathering my things to follow him. “Your family frigging hates me.”