InferGelatoTM had become a hotspot not just for fiery affogatos, but for spontaneous combustion of baristas’ patience. Specifically, Matteo’s patience. Ever the showman, he was perfecting his latest espresso art ritual, a latte topped with foam that was shaped like a phoenix complete with a tiny flicker of a harmless flame.
Unfortunately, the flame was too real and not harmless at all.
During a busy afternoon rush, the foam ignited and sent a plume of enchanted fire that spiraled up to the ceiling, setting off the sprinkler system, and the emergency jazz playlist.
The fire sprinklers did their job with gusto by dousing the flames but they also flooded the gelato freezer and turned the pistachio into a soggy mess.
Meanwhile, across town, Mira and her coven brewed a calming jasmine tea blend with the hopes to soothe tensions between coffee and tea, but the plan went sideways when the tea caused customers to involuntarily levitate. They spilled their cups in mid-air in a spectacular slow motion dance that was as elegant as it was hot, in temperature that is.
Caught between the chaos, Jo grabbed her trusty mop and coffee cup, muttering, “Why can’t we have a normal caffeine crisis for once?”
As the magical beverage war raged on, foam and flames danced across Cedar Grove’s streets much to the bewilderment and entertainment of its residents.