Blissful Barista Gives Me Seven Dollars
I am in a coffee shop - I like the feel of it. Brick walls, somewhat dark, a dark solid wood counter that is set up more like a bar than a coffee shop. There are barstools around the counter. It is a big, spacious coffee shop, with some sparse tables and chairs. Everyone is at the bar, though.
I stand at the bar waiting for my order to be taken. I am near the front of the bar, near the door. The barista calls out my name: “Elizabeth?” She is a young woman in her early 20’s, tall and thin, with dark hair highlighted by purple streaks and beads on one side. She has called out my name sort of how baristas call out names when the coffee drinks are done. But she has called it out in a very dreamy way, smiling broadly. She may have said my full name, I don’t remember now. I identify myself, and she floats over to me with her dreamy smile. She hands me a 5 dollar bill and two 1 dollar bills. “Here you go”, she pronounces blissfully. It’s like she’s high, but she is very present, looking right at me. She is handing me this money like I’ve won something, but I don’t understand what it’s for. The 5 dollar bill is very worn, like thin, fuzzy cloth. There is a hole worn into it. I wonder if it is any good.
Now I am at the back of the bar, near the register. Another barista is near the register - this one seems much more grounded and practical. I ask her why I was given seven dollars by the other barista. The grounded barista says “She likes you”. This doesn’t really answer my question - what is the money for? Why did I get it? The 5 bill has a hole in it - is it useable? I don’t get any answers to these questions.