The shadows in your peripheral vision are moving again.

Not in a dramatic horror movie way but in that subtle shift-your-eyes-and-catch-nothing kind of dance. That prickle on the back of your neck shows up uninvited. The sense that something somewhere is paying way too much attention to your existence right now.

Scientists call it hypervigilance or maybe heightened spatial awareness when your brain goes into overdrive mode. Spiritual folks say you're tapping into dimensions beyond our normal perception. Your anxious friend swears it's definitely ghosts.

But here's what nobody wants to admit in polite conversation.

You're just really really tired and your caffeine tank is running on fumes. That's the actual culprit behind your sudden ability to sense invisible watchers lurking around every corner.

The human brain does weird stuff when it's exhausted and under-caffeinated. It starts filling in gaps with nonsense. Creates patterns where none exist. Turns ordinary shadows into suspicious characters. Makes you absolutely convinced someone is definitely watching you walk to your car even though the parking lot is completely empty.

One proper cup of coffee later and boom. The invisible audience vanishes. Reality snaps back into focus. The shadows go back to being regular non-threatening patches of darkness. Your brain stops auditioning for a paranormal investigation show.

Turns out the only thing watching you was your own sleep-deprived consciousness trying to make sense of the world through a fog of exhaustion.

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Roaster/Cafe Notes:

Muskoka Roastery Coffee ( ​https://www.muskokaroastery.com/​ )

Huntsville, Ontario

In their own words: “Muskoka Roastery was founded in 2000 as a proudly Canadian brand, even making its moniker a quintessential area of Canada. Muskoka Roastery is passionate about making delicious coffee, but also its environmental impact and contribution - supporting local charities throughout the region”

I’ve only had the “Too Dark” label from these folks but, shazam, it packed a pop and big flavour. Worth checking out, even if simply for the name. Lol

—

Until the shadows start moving again,