"Coffee Shop of Memories" by Masako M

                Drip.

                                Drip.

                                                Drip.

                He stared vacantly at the bland world before him. Drops of water streamed downward to their final destination. The large window beside him shielded the young man from the dying storm. Alone at a table for two, the empty seat across from him brought forth something he could not label. It may have been isolation, sorrow; anything but nothing. He feared numbness.  A pit formed within his throat; restricting the air.

Steel eyes stared up at the grey sky and it stared right back.

“What did it see? “

                A chill breeze from the opening of the coffee shop’s front door stole him from fantasy, a few  wet pedestrians streamed in, shuffling to put away their ineffective umbrellas.  The people here were transient, never staying to chat or enjoy the day, always moving on. The inviting atmosphere of the lounge enticed few to connect. It all felt the same, yet so different now. Cold fingers gripped his lukewarm cup and he once again turned away.  On the windowsill sat a potted plant, its tiny leaves seemed so frail that if he were to touch them they might turn to ash. He refocused his attention to the passersby with unknown destinations.

                The storm settled into a drizzle. The pace of the city slowed; no longer did people run frantic for cover, the frustration washed from their faces.  Oh, how he envied them. The young man broke from his rigid paralysis, then without bothering to finish his beverage, stood and tossed the cup haphazardly into the nearest trash can. He promptly left the shop, but not before glancing back towards the table they used to share.

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                Endless dark clouds enveloped the city; he couldn’t remember how many days had passed by without notice. The coffee shop today felt warmer, the aroma of coffee roused his senses.  Once again the young man sat at the table for two. He took a sip of rich, piping hot, coffee then looked through the wall of glass beside him. A few stray puddles spotted the cement sidewalk and street. Running children came into view. A boy in a too-small blue coat chased a bulkier boy in red.  Rain-boots disturbed the puddles and sent water flying. The boys smiled and laughed, oblivious to the trouble they’d caused for others walking. They played like fawns, jumping to and fro, forgetting the danger and embracing the thrill of running; being free.

                This sight stirred something within the young man; a memory of long ago. It warmly bubbled within him, hoping to escape and excite; to be felt again. Suddenly, he became starkly aware of isolation. He pressed a cold hand to his pale cheek and rested upon it.  His eyes closed and relived wondrous days in the light.  Together again. It felt like sunflowers and tasted of brisk sweetness.  He slowly opened his fog colored eyes and breathed in heavily.  He stared down at the little plant. Although, insignificantly, it had started tilting towards the window, reaching for what little sunshine the sky would offer.

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Music. For the first time the young man noticed music playing in the background. It sounded soft and classical yet also stirring and jazzy.  He couldn’t decide whether or not he liked it, but the young man certainly did appreciate the company. Settling into his usual seat with a black iced coffee he eagerly looked out upon the world. The pale greys of the city contrasted with the cozy interior of the coffee shop. He bounced from scene to scene watching throngs of people in various stages of socialization. Yet finally, when his eyes did settle, they rested upon a singular stray cat. It sat alone near the base of a thin birch tree. Numerous people walked by focused on their destination, until a man of middle age dressed in a grey suit snapped out of his daily routine-trance to look down at the poor emaciated creature. His face changed and he slowed to meet the cat. He dropped to one knee and began to pet it before carefully gathering it up in his arms. Without hesitation, he walked with the cat back in the direction he came, a smile on his face as he seemed to talk to it.

At this time, the young man realized a smile beginning to crawl out from within his depths. He set it free. Yet, nearly as soon as he did, the young man raised his hands as if to hide his joy, but blue heather eyes conveyed genuine contentment.  He hadn’t felt such an emotion in what seemed an eternity. He glanced towards the seat across from him. In his mind he saw them smiling and laughing together.  The plant caught his attention, now seemingly a flower as it grew taller in recent pleasant days.  It had not yet bloomed, but it was at the brim.

“What is holding you back?”

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He could see clearly now, the skies blue with flecks of clouds and birds. The air tasted untainted and crisp. The aroma of the coffee shop wafted about carrying a sweet scent masking a bitter beverage. Bright lighted streamed through the windows, warming skin and chasing away residual dampness. On this final day, the young man heard the chatter all around him, tasted the delight of a sweet macchiato, felt the warmth radiating from his cup, smelled fresh flowers, and saw people going about their lives. He focused on the chair available across from him at his table for two; no longer did he stare out the window. For a moment he felt a familiar presence pass by on the other side of the glass, but he didn’t chase it with a glance.  He instead looked at the potted plant. Its petals seemed to glow orange and red, it reminded him of a phoenix; now he would not touch it for fear of burn.  He stood after saying a silent goodbye to the thriving plant. The young man smiled openly.  As he walked towards the door, a young worker approached him,

“Are you leaving already? You’ve never left so early…”

“…Goodbye. Thank you for the memories.”

                He gave a pained smile and his lucid blue eyes filled with crystal tears. He walked away from the coffee shop,

                                Step.

By

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By          

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