It’s past noon and I haven’t even started on my to-do list. I wasn’t feeling particularly hungry, but the moment I glanced at the clock, my stomach started growling. Grabbing a book, I stepped out to grab a quick bite, only to find the sky overcast, quite unlike the morning. Though I had no intention of returning upstairs for an umbrella, the thought lingered in my mind until I reached the restaurant. There really wasn’t much else to think about.
A few blocks away, I found a bustling restaurant filled with solo diners quietly enjoying their meals. Even groups of diners were immersed in their own thoughts, not engaging in conversation. With no available seats, I stood by the entrance until the owner kindly informed me a seat would be available soon. I ordered a hearty beef soup. As I gazed outside, the owner let me know my table was ready. Turning around, it was as if the table had always been empty, untouched by anyone. The diligent staff must have cleaned it up in record time. No sooner had I sat down than my meal was served. With no time to catch my breath, let alone get accustomed to the new place or fill my glass with water, I began my meal. It was my first time seeing this kind of rice this year. Yellow millet speckled among white rice in a beautiful ratio, almost too pretty to eat. The name was a bit embarrassing; I decided to keep it to myself.
After a quick meal, as I walked back, the craving for coffee hit me. Perhaps what I truly wanted was a moment to sit and daydream. After all, back at work, the afternoon would be consumed by tasks. Spotting a convenience store on my way, I considered grabbing some jelly. Inside, next to the register, was a coffee machine with a sign on the paper cup: ‘Purchasing this coffee helps protect the environment and agricultural communities.’ The frog mascot was pretty cute too. The machine boasted a complexity unrivaled by any coffee I’d ever tasted. Had I ever protected agricultural communities before? This coffee offered that noble cause, alongside the pleasure of drinking it. No reason to resist.
I’ll process your payment first. Just place the cup on the machine and press the Americano button.
Following the kind clerk’s directions, I paid 1,500 won and placed the paper cup on the machine. There was a similar coffee machine at work, but using it meant returning to my desk. Paying for it felt like a relief. After all, it was just 1,500 won. As the coffee brewed, I noticed they also offered vanilla latte. The clerk mentioned, simply adding hot water to the powder would do the trick.
Some customers just add hot water to the powder, you know.
The clerk smiled, and I couldn’t help but think I would have done the same. Apologizing in my mind to those who drank it like that, I decided to try the vanilla latte next time. The coffee turned out better than expected. As I stepped out, I noticed a tiny table and iron chair beside the convenience store. Like a pen cap clicking into place, I felt snug in the small space. Pulling out a book I’d been reading for over a month, ‘Whenever We Say Goodbye,’ I felt today might be the day I’d make significant progress.
The chilly street, fresh from rain, now welcomes the gentle touch of spring.
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