After the Last Guest Left

Well Bottle Replaced Without Announcement

Tab Open Since the Afternoon

Barback Restocked Without Being Told

Apron Hung Behind the Service Door

Glass Rim Salted for the One Regular

Every Bottle Faced Forward on the Shelf

Drum Kit Set Up Before Anyone Arrived

Floor Creak Before the Music Started

Every Surface Caught the Amber Light

Quarter in the Tip Jar, First of Night

Drum Brushes Left on the Snare

Chalkboard Special Nobody Ordered

Last Stool Kept Free by Unspoken Rule

Keys Wiped Down Before Opening

Jukebox Dark, Band Playing Instead

Ice Machine Humming in the Back

He Paid Cash, Left No Name

Grease Pencil Mark on the Tab

Saxophone Stand Adjusted Three Times

Rail Wipe Before the Rush Began

Piano Lid Propped With a Matchbook

Old Receipt Pinned Behind the Bar

Napkin Folded Under the Wobbly Leg

Microphone Feedback Before the First Set

Upholstery Tape on the Corner Stool

Bar Clock Batteries Changed Mid-Shift

Ventilation Grille Rattling All Evening