A Usual Sunday Ritual
On a cool Sunday morning, Linda and Mark Benson were enjoying their favorite spot in Café Rosetta. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the quiet buzz of conversations, creating an inviting atmosphere.
For years, this quaint café had been their sanctuary—a place where life seemed to slow down, offering them a moment of peace and connection.
An Odd Encounter
This particular Sunday felt different. While the couple was chatting about their upcoming anniversary, a new barista approached their table.
There was something peculiar about her demeanor. Her gaze lingered on Mark, her behavior uneasy yet strangely focused. "More coffee?" she asked, her voice carrying an odd edge as she seemingly ignored Linda entirely.
A Chilling Moment
Linda felt invisible as the barista's attention remained fixed on Mark. Though Mark politely accepted the refill, Linda noticed his puzzled expression.
As the barista walked away, Linda caught her whispering two quiet but pointed words to Mark: "Be careful." The cryptic warning hung in the air, leaving Linda both unsettled and curious.
Unraveling Motives
Linda’s mind raced, trying to decode the barista’s strange behavior. Was it harmless flirtation or something more alarming?
She kept a watchful eye on the barista, noticing her nervous glances and forced smiles. Determined to uncover the truth, Linda decided to confront her—and what she discovered changed everything.
Linda and Mark’s Story
Linda and Mark Benson were an adventurous couple with a shared love for travel and exploration. Their lifestyle allowed them to work remotely while experiencing new places.
They often reminisced about how they first met on a hike at the Grand Canyon. That day, Mark, parched and low on water, crossed paths with Linda, who generously offered to share her supply—a moment that sparked their romance.
A Chance Meeting
Their encounter at the Grand Canyon was serendipitous. Linda’s small act of kindness led to an instant connection, and over time, their bond grew stronger.
Five years later, the two were married. Before settling down, however, they decided to embark on an adventure-filled journey to explore the world together.
Working on the Go
Linda worked remotely as a freelancer, relying on her laptop, while Mark managed to trade stocks using his smartphone.
Their flexible careers allowed them to chase their dreams of adventure without sacrificing their work. Life on the road seemed perfect—until a peculiar event threatened to disrupt their harmonious routine.
Nomads in Motion
The couple spent their days working hard and their evenings unwinding in scenic locales. They traveled across the U.S. in their motorhome, waking up to breathtaking views and unique experiences.
When they arrived in the quiet town of Elderwood, its charm captivated them. They decided to stay for the weekend, unaware of the strange turn their visit would take.
Discovering Elderwood
Elderwood wasn’t a famous destination, but its quaint architecture and quiet streets drew Linda and Mark in. A charming café caught their eye, and they decided it was the perfect spot to relax and recharge.
For Linda, who adored exploring old towns rich with history, Elderwood was a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Traces of History
Walking through the cobbled streets, Linda marveled at the town’s history. The weathered buildings, rusted mining tools, and abandoned mines told a story of a once-thriving community.
Linda and Mark may have appeared to be tourists to the locals, but Linda didn’t care. She was engrossed in the allure of the past—unaware that their time in this little town would leave a lasting impression.
The Rosetta Cafe
However, unbeknownst to them, this town held a secret that would soon put their lives in danger. They just didn't know it yet. Linda and her husband had been on a city-wide food tour for the past six hours, sampling dishes from different restaurants.
They had saved the best for last - the Rosetta cafe. The building was a sight to behold, with its retro architecture and neon lights.
Going Inside
The restaurant had been converted from an old diner that must have been from the 1950s, and it still retained some of its original charm. The couple couldn't wait to sit down and enjoy a meal. As they walked inside, they were greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of chatter.
They had to state their curiosity. A waitress named Annie jumped up to help them, her face beaming with a smile. She led them to a cozy booth by the window and handed them the menus.
Something Was Off
Linda noticed that Annie seemed a little too eager to please, but she dismissed it as good customer service. However, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The couple were unaware of the danger that lurked behind Annie's smile.
But little did they know their lives were about to take a dark turn. Linda and Mark were exploring a small town and decided to stop at a local diner for lunch.
Ordering Their Food
After scanning the menu, Linda's eyes lit up at the sight of a stack of pancakes that sounded heavenly. She ordered them with a smile.
On the other hand, Mark was in the mood for a traditional diner-style burger. The waitress left with their orders. As they waited for their food, they took in the surroundings of the diner. But they noticed that it wasn't like any restaurant they'd been in before.
The Decor
The first thing that Linda noticed was the decor of the place. It was clear that the place was full of pride. The place was adorned with antiques that were clearly a part of the town's history, such as a pickaxe hanging on the wall above a beautiful stone.
However, as Linda gazed around the room, she felt a sense of unease. She noticed that some of the other customers were giving her and Mark curious stares that made her uncomfortable. But that was only the beginning.
Stares
At first, she brushed it off as locals not seeing tourists very often. They were dressed to the nines, and most people in the town wore rugged yet practical clothing. But as time passed, she began to realize that the looks they were receiving were not just out of curiosity.
There was something more to it. One man had been staring daggers at them since they got there. He was sitting at his table and hadn't even ordered anything. What was going on?
Looking Nervous
As the couple sat at their table, enjoying their meal and each other's company, the waitress suddenly appeared with a smile. But Linda noticed that her hands were shaking slightly. Did she have a medical condition? Or was she just nervous?
She greeted the couple and then began to scan the other diners in the restaurant. It was then that Annie also noticed the stares from other patrons. Her shaking only got worse. That's when Linda's suspicions went up a gear.
Stepping Out
Annie's demeanor changed, and a flicker of nervousness crossed her face. The couple couldn't help but wonder what was going on. And just when they thought things couldn't get any stranger, something even more bizarre happened.
Annie rushed over to their table with their orders, but she had something to say. Annie handed them their food and abruptly said, "I need to step out, but I'm leaving you in the hands of the more than capable barista - Mary."
Mary
After Annie rushed out of the door, the couple felt an eerie silence follow. None of the patrons were speaking - they were only staring. That's when Mary came up to their table.
Linda expected her to be just as sweet as Annie, but what she did to her husband was unlike anything she had experienced before. "Hi I'm Mary," The Barista said. But she was staring at Mark far more than Linda. But what she did next had Linda at odds with her.
Touching Him
Linda had a strange feeling about the woman in front of her. There was something off about her demeanor, and it made Linda uneasy. The woman's eyes darted around nervously, yet she seemed fixated on Mark.
Linda couldn't help but notice the odd, lingering look the woman gave Mark. The look made her spine tingle. As Mark and Linda stood at the coffee shop, the barista approached them and asked if they needed more coffee.
Ignoring Her
However, her voice was laced with an unusual tone as she addressed Mark directly and blatantly ignored Linda. She was getting more angry by the second. It was odd, and Linda couldn't help but wonder if there was something going on between the barista and Mark.
Linda sat alone at a small table in the coffee shop, feeling like she was invisible. She watched as Mark looked confused.
Two Words
That's when the barista leaned in close to him. What was she doing? Linda strained to hear what was being said and just caught the words. "Be careful". Mark raised an eyebrow in response, but before Linda could figure out what was going on, the barista quickly returned to the counter.
It left Linda feeling more confused than ever. Linda's mind was in a state of disarray as she pondered the potential outcomes of the situation.
Something Sinister?
She was attempting to deduce the barista's true intentions. Was it an innocent flirtation or something more sinister? She meticulously monitored every movement the barista made, and her suspicions grew with each artificial grin and uneasy gaze that was exchanged between them.
Linda made the decision to confront the barista and uncover the facts. The moment she saw the panic in the barista's eyes, she knew something was amiss.
Asking For The Bill
She realized that her life would never be the same again. Linda decided that she needed to step in. She asked for the bill from the barista.
But nobody knew what she was plotting. Determined to address the situation, Linda devised a plan. As they finished their coffee, she pulled out a pen, her hand steady despite the whirlwind of emotions churning inside her.
Handing Her The Bill
On the bill, she wrote a message, clear and unequivocal, a "special" tip of sorts for the barista. "Stay away from my husband." It was written in huge letters on the bill. Linda watched in glee as Mary approached the table.
As they stood to leave, Linda made sure to hand the bill directly to the barista. She ensured that their eyes met. The message was simple yet powerful—a reminder of the basic courtesy owed to every person.
Consequences
Linda thought that she had done the right thing. But she had misunderstood the situation entirely, and there would have been consequences. The barista's eyes widened upon reading the note, a flicker of understanding - or was it guilt?
But she had something to say to Linda. "You don't understand. I'm only trying to help." Then Mary leaned in close and explained her true intentions. "The locals here don't like what your husband is wearing. I was just warning him."
Gold
Linda's face twisted in confusion as she stared blankly at Mark, who had an innocuous gold watch on his wrist. As she looked closer, however, she began to sense a palpable discomfort in the air.
Mary, noticing Linda's confusion, began to explain the harrowing history of the mining town. She would tell them everything, including the dark secrets that were buried along with it. But it would tie everything together.
The History
During the 1940s, the town of Elderwood thrived on the mining of gold. The mining company operating in the town was the major employer. They were the main source of income for hundreds of residents. However, things took a turn when the gold mine eventually ran dry.
The disappearance of gold led to the abrupt departure of the mining company and left the town in a state of despair. That was why they got so many strange stares.
Apologizing
Back in the present day, Mark, a resident of the town, still carried a gold watch that served as a poignant reminder of the greed that nearly caused the collapse of Elderwood. Upon learning of the town's history, Mark felt a sense of discomfort and decided to conceal the watch, expressing gratitude to the barista for being considerate.
Mark quickly pulled out his wallet and gave Mary the tip she deserved. Linda also apologized for her assumptions, but she didn't regret it.
Not Regretting A Thing
In the end, Linda realized that it wasn't about the barista's intentions or the unsettling encounter. If she had to repeat things, she would do it all again. It was about standing up for respect for herself and her relationship in a world that too often forgets the value of empathy and understanding.
She was still glad that she had confronted her about the strange interaction. She defended her own honor and husband, even if it was misguided. After leaving his watch in their motorhome, they stopped getting stares as they enjoyed more sights the town had to offer.