As Ka'ahupahau guided the young man through the cafe's inner workings, the air was filled with the sound of pressurized steam and the hum of cleaning machines. Various sharkgirls, each with their unique shapes, markings and fins, diligently worked to ensure every nook and cranny of the cafe was spotless. They greeted the human with friendly nods and smiles as they scrubbed and sanitized the machines, applying hot steam to the soft, spongy, silicone coated components of the dispensers. There was a special aroma in the air which the young man found arousing, rising from the machines undergoing cleaning and being plugged with brush-equipped rods for the night, to seal the squishy openings usually producing soft ice.
Entering the upper terrace, they passed by the locked “Training room” where the sounds of classical music and occasional squeaks hinted at activities behind the door. Ka'ahupahau led him to the “Team Room,” a space where sharkgirls from the dayshift were unwinding.
Inside, sharkgirls lounged wrapped in nothing but wet towels, their skin glistening with latexmilk. They watched a romantic movie, a playful take on the shark-themed classics “Jaws”, offering a unique perspective on what they found entertaining. Laughter echoed as Ka'ahupahau and the human proceeded to the balcony.
The open-air balcony revealed a large saltwater whirlpool surrounded by Tatami mats. Two sharkesses leisurely enjoyed the water, their tails lazily hanging over the rim. A wooden chest was placed between two mats, adorned with two spongy boulders and wooden sticks emitting aromatic scents.
“Take a seat,” Ka'ahupahau gestured to one of the mats, assuming the Lotus position herself. The young man sat opposite her as she explained the purpose of the wooden sticks and the spongy orbs. Each worry he shared with her was symbolized by lighting a stick and pressing it into one of the orbs, creating a surreal display of rising smoke.
As he spoke of his concerns, Ka'ahupahau listened attentively, her green eyes reflecting understanding. With each finished worry, he lit a wooden stick, pressing it slowly into the spongy orb closer to him he often had to use strength, careful not to break the wooden sticks. And Ka'ahupahau mirrored his actions, sharing her hopes for him. The intertwining smoke created a captivating dance of twirls and curls.
Looking at the rising smoke, Ka'ahupahau shared wisdom. “See how hopes and worries can exist side by side, or even merge to form something new. Life is a dance of these elements, creating a unique blend. Now, let's see what the dance reveals.”
As they gazed at the smoke, a small spark led the young man's eyes to a golden-haired catshark-girl grinning at him from the whirlpool. She playfully asked if he'd like to join her, and his worries seemed to dissipate in the warmth of her inviting smile.
Later in the evening, Ka'ahupahau and Miss White sat in the office, sipping on Tuna-flavored tea. Soft laughter and playful purring echoed through the open window, a testament to the Shork Cafe's magic and the bonds forged within its walls. Another night ended, leaving behind not only clean machines and satisfied customers, but also a tale of human worries transforming into newfound hope amid the unique embrace of sharkish camaraderie.
“We'll call her 'Midnight',” Miss White decided.