Case File Entry #3: Witness Statement

The city doesn’t sleep at 3 a.m. Not anymore. Not when the lattes are humming. I talked to one man who wouldn’t give me his name. Said he’d testify, but only off the record. His hands shook the whole time. I filed it anyway.

WITNESS STATEMENT — 3:07 A.M.
Location: Corner Café, 8th & Main
Filed: Case File #3

Q: What did you see?
A: “The line was already around the block. Pajamas, business suits, even kids with backpacks. Nobody said a word. Nobody checked their phones. They just stood there humming. Same rhythm, like they were all tuned to one station.”

Q: Did they appear normal?
A: “No. Their eyes were blank. Like they were staring into a pile of leaves with no bottom. Gave me the chills.”

Q: What about the staff?
A: “The barista said it was worse than peppermint mocha season. Said the milk frother whispered when she closed her eyes. I thought she was kidding, but her hands wouldn’t stop shaking.”

Q: Any unusual behavior?
A: “One guy at the front squeezed his cup so hard his knuckles split. He didn’t care. Just sipped and smiled. Then he shuffled back into line like nothing happened.”

By Ivy Harrow