‘Hey there, what can I get you today?’
I usually order an Americano before they even ask what I’d like. I hit up cafes mostly to snag some power for my laptop or dive into a book, so ordering a drink is just like getting a ticket to enter the chill zone. Whether it’s a colorful ticket, black and white, a plastic card, or a punched card, it doesn’t matter as long as I can get in. Plus, I’m no coffee connoisseur. So as soon as the question hit my ears, ‘Americano’ was ready to roll off my tongue.
How about a Cream Puff Latte?
Maybe the barista blurted it out before thinking, or else my ‘Americano’ would’ve won the race.
‘Oh. Sure, I’ll have that.’
Perhaps the HQ had whispered to push more Cream Puff Lattes because sales were low? Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter. With the drink in hand, I found a table with a power outlet, pulled out my laptop, and after slowly plugging it in and connecting to Wi-Fi, I took a sip. And wow, it was amazing!
Who knew such a taste existed? It felt like lying under the trees on a grassy hill in spring, the breeze giving a slight chill, only to be saved by a sweet ray of sunshine on my hand. (Though I’ve never climbed a hill in spring).
These days, life’s been a bit rough, making ‘healing’ a trending buzzword. Everyone’s talking about needing a break, and the media’s all over it too. But, hey, this drink is your instant healing potion!
On the topic of healing, I had a similar vibe watching a show recently. It was the eighth episode of ‘Hyori’s Homestay’ Season 2 with Yoona from Girls’ Generation and actor Park Bo-gum working at the homestay.
Hyori’s husband, Lee Sang-soon, was in Seoul for work, and Hyori was sick with a cold, lying in bed all day. So, Yoona and Bo-gum hustled, running the homestay even harder than usual. As the long day ended, Yoona sent a tired Bo-gum to rest, then dragged herself into the studio where Hyori awaited her. Their soft-spoken exchange before sleep was heartwarming. It wasn’t about the words, but the gentle, comforting vibe.
‘Yoona, wanna go see the sea tomorrow?’
‘Yes, unnie.’
When you’re unwell, suggesting activities doesn’t come easy. I knew Hyori truly wanted to go to the sea with Yoona. The next day, Bo-gum prepared breakfast, and Yoona picked up Sang-soon from the airport. They welcomed new guests, cleaned every nook and cranny, and checked the outdoor areas.
After all that, Hyori kept her word and took Yoona to the sea, while Bo-gum grabbed a book, sat by the studio, basked in the sun, and as expected, dozed off after flipping a few pages. It was like a still scene, no grand dialogues or touching BGM, but that warm sunlight was pure healing.
Being asked about the happiest moment in life is a toughie. Even after sharing a story, later on, I’d think, ‘Oh, I should’ve said that!’ Even with plenty of time, I doubt I’d nail it. Happiness feels like it needs to be grand, ultimate joy, with others reacting like, ‘Wow, totally get it.’ If I share too casually and hear, ‘That’s it?’ my life might feel a bit lackluster.
But with lighter questions like ‘When were you recently happy?’ or ‘Felt any healing lately?’ I can easily chat away without overthinking. Such a question takes me back to
lying on warm laundry fresh from the dryer in a San Francisco laundromat, basking in the scent of dryer sheets.
Even when I feel down, recalling that moment lifts my spirits. I have a dryer at home in Seoul, but it’s small and right on the floor, so recreating that moment is impossible. I could maybe stick my head in, but that’s far from healing. If someone kicked the door, I’d need a neck brace!
Anyway, whenever I feel blue, I think I’ll skip the dryer and grab a Cream Puff Latte, reminiscing about that scene from ‘Hyori’s Homestay.’
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