Coffee Can Shift the Universe
Everyone who walks into a cafe has their own narrative.Coffee can shift the universe. Coffee can shift that narrative.
Late into one autumn afternoon this woman walks in, noticeably well-dressed and noticeably distressed.
"One flat white. Strong. Please."
She takes a table outside, sits, rests her elbows on the table, rubs her temples. She stares on the blank table with her hands still cradling her temples until I serve her coffee. Her back, once majestic now curled crimped into place by a troubling narrative.
Just as well the coffee is flowing magically. Magic as the espresso pours so still and steady in movement and colour that time stopped for 27 seconds. And I just had this coffee moments before she burst in. Toffee, a real explosion of sweetness in the mouth, I'm still savouring in private. I feel guilty for nursing such pleasure in the midst of someone else's mess.
A deft double ristretto for heft pulled with a swinging sweet spot. Then fresh milk silked to soothe.
"Thanks," she jumped, brows momentarily unfurled.
Other people walk in seeking coffee to nurture happier narratives. The magic does not discriminate and coffee flowed. The din rises inside and all I can see is the silent outside in dappled autumn sun with her back resting on the glass window, hand cradling cup, her face out into the world, a foot tapping the pavement.