While cycling around the neighborhood over the weekend, I stumbled upon a charming little café hidden in an alley. What I loved most was its lack of a sign. At first glance, it seemed like a flower shop, so only those who turned their heads and looked closely discovered its existence. As I sat in the café that day, gazing outside for a long time, I felt a bit sad for the passersby who walked by without noticing. They probably don’t even realize such a cool café exists on their daily route. Then again, during weekdays, I walk the same way. Life isn’t all that different for any of us.
– Would you like a stamp on your card?
On my second visit, the barista suddenly asked. I’m not usually diligent enough to collect loyalty stamps, but I nodded instinctively to the unexpected question.
– You were here last weekend too, right? Let me stamp it twice for you!
That’s when I realized, ‘Ah, she’s the owner.’ Even the most proactive barista would hesitate to offer perks not in the manual. She opened the stamp pad, inked the stamper, and pressed it twice firmly on the card before handing it to me, saying
– Collect eight more stamps and you’ll score a free drink.
She smiled, and I felt grateful. During my time there, quite a few customers came and went. It was a one-woman show, and even a small rush made it look bustling. Despite the busyness, she warmly thanked everyone for waiting and even threw in a little dessert for those who had to wait longer. Watching her, I remembered a former colleague who had abruptly opened a café only to close it two years later, saying,
– It’s so, so boring in a café.
Being too busy isn’t great, but maybe unbearable boredom is another beast. Personally, I imagine I’d enjoy the quiet moments, playing my favorite tunes loudly or reading a book. Yet, the business hours could feel like work hours, where nothing beats them flying by.
Still,
The little wooden bench outside where you can sit in the sunlight is so inviting,
the ivy plant with its dancing leaves in the breeze is adorable,
and most importantly,
the coffee is delicious
I hope she finds her groove in this wonderfully quiet venture. 🌿☕
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