Just One More Cup Of Coffee

1/12/10

6:35 AM

I've decided to try sitting alone in a diner. I am the only female in the establishment, aside from the waitress. I am one of 3 people under 25 years of age, as well.
I order eggs, over-medium, and a side of sourdough toast. My coffee is black.

I am sat in a booth next to the window, aside the bar, and the booth behind me holds two elderly gentlemen enjoying a cup of coffee, the newspaper, and some well-mannered banter.
"Have you read the obituaries, yet?"
"I didn't think to, no."
"What was that? Yes or no, you old skeeze?"
"No, fix the hearing aid you old heffer."

I snort into my coffee. I hope to be that profound when I'm older.

As I sit and wait for my breakfast, I begin reading my book. I get 4 pages through when I become distracted by the large group of businessmen walking through the door.
They are extremely happy to be getting breakfast together, and laugh at the jokes they are happily telling each other. I smile.

6:50 AM

I pick at my food, but mostly focus on the coffee. The waitress kindly fills my cup once more, and walks away, leaving me to my book. As I enjoy my eggs, and read page after page, I look up occasionally to see people socializing at the bar, experiencing delightful conversation with their fellow early-morning acquaintances.

7:35 AM

Four cups of coffee, and nearly one hundred pages later, I am full and about ready to leave. I glance out the window to my right, and notice that it is light outside. The street is full of commuters traveling to work and school. I realize it may be difficult to turn out of the diner driveway to get home. In front of me, there is a crevice in the wall, and hanging from the ceiling is a wooden wind chime. I get the unbearable urge to move it and hear its music. That urge is subsided when the waitress brings me my bill. Thank God.

7:50 AM

I finally decide I am done, and pay for my food, leaving an 80% tip. How could I not? The waitress was attentive and polite, the food was delicious, and the company was both amusing and lovely.


Current music : Orphans - Jack's Mannequin

Loving you and your neighbor.