It was a cold Monday morning when I dragged myself back into the coffee shop. It had been weeks since the last time I visited- and it was obvious to everyone around me why I was avoiding it like the plague.

It all started a few months ago when I first moved to town. I didn't really know many people outside of my job- but people seemed to know me pretty quickly.

The coffee shop was on the corner of Main Street right near my office- and it seemed like the perfect place for a quick pick me up in the mornings. It even had a nice sounding name- Coffee Castle, nothing bad could happen there! Right?

That's what I kept telling myself every morning, but I knew I was falling into a trap. The spell was pulling me under, and I just let it.

The owner and barista at the shop is named Leon. He seemed like a relatively normal guy y'know? Messy hair, slight stubble, always seemed exasperated at the amount of work he had- nothing out of the ordinary.

Or well thats what I thought.

Everytime I went for a quick morning coffee and treat, the trip turned longer and longer- to the point where I was late for work a few times.

I didn't understand what was so alluring about this place. I mean, the food wasn't even that good and the coffee was just fine. But I kept feeling that I needed to go back.

On every trip, Leon seemed to speak to me more and more, about anything too- from the laces on his shoes to the state of the world. It's not what you would expect from the look of him, but once he started talking, he never stopped.

As I walked into the small shop this morning, I already knew that something was different about this trip.

I looked around at the bare tables, no one but me- unusual for such a chilly day like today, but I brushed it off.

"Hey can I have my usual please?" I smile shyly at Leon as I walk up to the checkout. I really should have been more subtle with avoiding this place, but it was too late.

He nods worldlessly, odd for him...

"Hey...um, I'm-, uh, how are you doing today?"

I end up spitting out. I know I'm making a fool of myself, but there's something so off about today that I can barely pull myself together.

He pauses making my drink completely and turns around to look at me. I feel his eyes bore into me and suddenly a chill goes up my spine. I've never seen him look at me so harshly, I knew he was kind of a rough guy- but he was never particularly hateful towards me.

"Oh now you care about my wellbeing."

So he noticed my disappearance. Great. Now it's awkward and I'm gonna be roped into an argument before I've even had my coffee.

"I'm sorry I just- I.."

"Spit it out."

Now I was really stuck. I don't actually know why I had stopped coming for a week or two- I mean obviously it's not easy on my wallet coming every morning..but I knew deep down that wasn't it.

I take a deep breath and try and regain my thoughts.

"I've just- I've never met anyone like you before'!"

Before I even realize it, the thoughts that had been buried deep down had come out of my mouth at what felt like the fasted speed I've ever heard.

"You should be grateful for that." He spits back at me like I didn't just drop a bomb on him.

I stare at him wordlessly. I don't even know what to say anymore- and I've embarrassed myself so much I don't even wanna see his face anymore.

"Is my stuff ready?" I angerly huff at him and watch as his face slips back into his usual gruff mask.

He hands it over wordlessly at the same time I hand him his money in his other hand.

Before either of us can spit another word at each other, we turn around in sync and go in opposing directions. One of us going to the back room, and the other going out the door.

As I walk to work huffing and puffing from my pent up anger and the freezing air surrounding me- I realize I may have to continue avoiding that place again.