A Thousand Word Picture

Chapter 1 - Stratus Café

"Hello sir, what can I get you today?" A lady spoke in a confidence tone, the words flowing out of her mouth like soft vanilla.

"I'll go for an Iced White Mocha please." I spoke in a raspier tone, stumbling over my words and slightly shaking from anxiety. I gripped onto the thick black leash in my hands, the end hooked around my sitting dark brown German Shepherd

The woman smiled at me, "extra caramel drizzle I assume?" I smiled back at her, gently nodding my head. "What about a treat for little Dusty there? I wouldn't want to forget about you Big Dog!"

Dusty wagged his tail at the sight of her peeking over the white marble counters, whispering a little bark in agreement. I chuckled quietly, petting the top of his head and going to sit down.

I sat at the corner of the shop, the usual place I go to. Nobody ever sat there because of how isolated it was from the rest of the room. It wasn't very spacious. The sun shined right through the window next to me, causing me to somewhat melt in my seat and feel relaxed after a painful week.

Dusty had felt the same, taking it upon himself to lay on his side, sprawled out in the sun beams. I was lucky him and I never got too much attention here, it was the one place I could feel safe. The one place I knew I wouldn't be bothered.

My mom used to be great friends with the owner of the café. The first time I ever met her was at my mom's memorial. I'll admit, not the best way to meet someone, but she had sent me great support and reassured me I was always welcome in the café. I had thought about working at the coffee shop many times, the thought seeming extremely delightful. But after my mom's passing, I had found it harder to interact with people.

By the time the waitress had gotten to my table I had my art supplies out, only consisting of a few markers, pencils, pens, and of course, my sketchbook. I was listening to music, gently tapping my feet on the clean floor underneath me. Dusty had gotten up and sat politely by my side, ears perked up and tail slightly wagging at the sight of the treat.

"Big Dog has grown pretty big, I'm sure he's as tall as you on his hind legs!" She gave out a little giggle, gently placing the treat Dusty's nose, having him balance it.

I rolled my eyes, "nah, but he sure is close to that stage isn't he? Can't believe it's already been 3 years." Dusty gently chewed on the treat after the release command, looking at me with sympathy in his eyes. I smiled at him, "Thanks for the treat Ni, Dusty really appreciates it." Nicole was one of my only friends, she's the owner's daughter. Her and I got along great as kids, at least that's what my mom always told me. I'd been calling her Ni for longer than I can remember. She's been my number one support system through just about everything in the past 3 years.

"Of course Ali, you know the treats are always free when it comes to this handsome boy!" She squished on Dusty's face, him snapping playfully at her and licking her face.

I smiled at her, turning back to my paper. My black shaggy hair drooping down in my face, eyes concentrated on the lines I put down. I loved it here, everything was always so peaceful, and my best friend was here. I couldn't be happier in this place.

"Oh by the way, we're getting a new employee, he's our age." I looked at her with confusion.

"Uhh.. er.. good for him?" She looked at me with worry, which slowly began to concern me.

"Ali... he's going to be serving you for a while," my heart dropped. The thought of someone else having to come up to Dusty and I, even just simply giving us our order, it terrified me. I shivered in my seat, I had always hated that feeling, feeling helpless.

"W-.. where are you going to be?" My voice slowly died down, not exactly a whisper but not the normal pitch either. My hands were slightly trembling, getting slightly annoyed. I set down my pencil and cupped them together. Dusty jumping straight into action, nuzzling at my hands and licking them gently.

"Mom's taking us out on vacation for summer break, I still have a year until graduation and she's trying to make the most of time.. You'll be okay, he's a nice kid!" She put out her hands, which I put mine in. Gulping, I nodded slightly, still trembling a bit but calming down.

After a while of talking with Ni she ended up having to go back to her job, which was slightly picking up a little after noon. The café slowly filling with more customers. I took this as my time for Dusty and I to head out, packing up my things , I took some deep breaths, turning up my music and calming myself down.

I waved bye to Ni and some of the other employees. I walked back to my apartment building, it was somewhat close to the café so I always enjoyed walking from there and back, as well as giving Dusty a good walk. Which he was grateful for, prancing next to me, slightly bumping into me occasionally.

I used my security card to access the apartment building, as we walked towards the elevators a door burst open. Loud music filling the hallways and people screaming. Some people emerge from their own rooms to investigate. Dusty sat behind me, on high alert and watching the commotion. I trembled, clicking on the elevator button repeatedly.

"How fucking long does it take an elevator to get down?!" I said it under my breath, only loud enough for Dusty to hear me. Although it wouldn't have mattered if I screamed it, I highly doubt anyone would hear me. The door gently slid open, I practically threw myself into it, clicking the 3rd floor. I somewhat collapsed onto the wall, taking some deep breaths and frantically petting Dusty's head. He gave out a low growl I was now able to hear, but we had both calmed down as I pet his dark brown fur.

We had finally reached our floor, Dusty bolting out of the two doors, dragging me along with him. An obvious sign that he had also just wanted to be home in bed. I let go of his leash, following him to the familiar door he knew very well. Taking out my keys with a jingle and unlocking the apartment, I collapsed onto the couch with a big huff.

"My gods.. I vote we just never set foot outside again." Dusty wagged his tail, looking at me with anticipation. Rolling my eyes and getting up, I took off his vest and leash, he took this opportunity to violently shake his fur and trotted around the kitchen island a few times. Eventually he got onto the couch with me, laying halfway on me as I turned on some YouTube on my TV.

Eventually I ended up drifting off to Dusty's snoring. Him slightly more on top of me and us practically cuddling, a little sad to only have my dog to cuddle with but he did a damn good job at it. Slowly, blinking my eyes repeatedly, I had fallen asleep, gently snoring all my worries away.