Work Text:
On a tranquil Brisbane afternoon, a lone Gordon and English Setter mix, named Alben Latte Setter, is tidying up his Café, Java Hounds, by wiping the bar he stands behind. Alben is quietly humming to himself as he does this. Suddenly he hears the doors at the entrance open. He looks up and sees a Blue and Red Heeler mix, with bags under his eyes, sleepily make his way over to the bar, and sits down.
Alben: “Hello there. Welcome to Java Hounds! What can I get you sir?”
???: “Ughhh… I’m in need of a real pick-me-up right now, so I’ll get whatever is your strongest drink. I admittedly don’t even like coffee, I’m just so exhausted.”
Alben: “Alright. That would probably be our double shot espresso. Coming right up! May I ask for your name?” He starts preparing the drink for the customer.
???: “Sure. Name’s Radley. But you can call me Rad.”
Alben: “Alright, Rad. Your drink will be ready in a jiffy.” He starts making Rad’s drink. After a little bit of silence, Rad starts talking.
Rad: “Hey, mate, can I ask you something?”
Alben continues making the espresso but talks while he does it. “Sure. Ask away.”
Rad: “Do you have any kids?”
Alben: “I don’t, I’m afraid. But I couldn’t help but notice the bags under your eyes. I’m guessing you’ve got some yourself.”
Rad chuckles. “It’s that obvious huh? Yeah, my wife recently gave birth to a baby boy.”
Alben: “Oh! Well, congratulations to the both of you!”
Rad: “Thanks, mate. I love him to bits. But, man, I was I ever unprepared for how exhausting and stressful being a father would be. Haven’t slept very much since his birth, as you can tell.”
Alben: “I may not have any kids, but I’m sure caring for a newborn is hard and tiring work. Also, I’m not sure any father-to-be can fully prepare themselves for being a father.”
Rad: “Yeah, you’re probably right.”
Alben finishes making Rad’s drink. “Here you go Rad. One double shot espresso.” He slides the drink towards Rad.
Rad: “Thanks, mate.” He takes a sip. “Surprisingly sweet. This is exactly what I needed.” He takes more sips and eventually finishes the drink. “Ahh. Much better. What do I owe you…?”
Alben: “Name’s Alben. Alben Latte Setter. Fitting middle name, I know, but purely coincidental. Anyway, that’ll be 5 dollars.”
Rad pulls out his wallet and pulls out some cash and puts it on the counter. “Well, Alben, it was nice chatting with you. Thanks for the drink. Farewell.”
Alben: “Just doin my job. Good luck with your kid.”
Rad waves and walks out the doors at the entrance. Alben starts tidying up some more.