Just a Cup of Coffee

I wanted a cup of coffee.

No!  That’s not right.

I desired a mug full of golden liquid, imbued with flavour, and needed the instant pick-me-up associated with relishing the brew.

I spied a café on the other side of the road.

Dodging traffic, or perhaps playing chicken with it, I crossed the street and smiled at the tingling sound the little bell made as I opened the front door.

In the sunlight streaming through the window I spy dust motes floating on eddies created by the movement of the door, but the tables look pristine, dressed and clean, with daisies placed in vases to balance the crisp red of the gingham table cloths.

Now that I’ve entered the café, mt senses are flooded by the aroma of fresh coffee.  Dark beans, thousands of them, are warming away in the holder, roasted to perfection, perched above the coffee machine.

My nostrils awaken my taste buds and I step up to the counter where I’m greeted by a new smell, the sweet perfume of muffins, choc-chip, and piping hot.  Their warmth tickles the back of my hand.  “Freshly Baked” is scrawled across a little chalkboard that’s propped up next to the register.

I breathe deep breaths, drinking in the intoxicating bouquet of the café.  I could stay here all day.

The espresso preparation expert is behind the counter and she looks up from creating a new genre of music while infusing milk with heat, and smiles.

“I’ll be with you in a minute.”  She says and I smile in return.

A moment of silence touches my ears as the barista stops one form of music and commences another with china cups and metal spoons, adding the finishing touches to the coffee concoctions she is creating.

Performing a well-choreographed ballet, she dances across the floor and out the back door balancing a tray of drinks with hot wisps floating from their chocolate dusted tops of froth.

Hushed conversations catch the breeze and float in to say hello and I consider how nice it would be to enjoy my coffee out there.

I take another deep breath and savour the tranquillity it’s mingled with.

“Now”, the barista says wiping her hands on her apron as she steps back inside.  “What can I get for you today?”

“Just a takeaway coffee thank you.”

I’m so sorry I have to get back to the office.