The couple after me strides in confidently. Heavy heady steps straight to the counter- with no one inside save me what could go wrong? How could this be different from every other coffeeshop in existence? But it is, and the menu confounds and confuses them and they are still muddling through asking for a latte, some coffee, a scone and some water as the next six people file in behind them.
It’s not their fault. They were unprepared- it happens. Just like it’s not their fault that they have turned the serenity into.. less. Now the empty tables are filling up. People are sinking into the leather bound black holes space evenly around the room, sitting down to the counter top tables. And there is a steady taktaktak of heels on a concrete floor. Swaying, yawning people everywhere. Chloe’s milk and honey latte is done so she gives her thumbs a tiny break from racing across the surface of her iphone. Like so many other patrons today. We never stop. We hardly sleep. Theres always another wordpress post, or another selfy to take or another facebook update to read or another snapchat to glance at. I dont suppose thats anyones fault either. But. Do you remember when coffee shops used to be slower? When you sat down with a mug of something hot and steamy to listen to whatever was playing on tin tiny speakers or read or heaven forbid TALK to your tablemate who may or may not have come in with you. We used to be a more social people. Not as connected, but more social. Is it easier yet for us to talk to strangers than friends? Than neighbors?
Valentines Day has always been kind of a mix for me. I understand what it SHOULD be- and im not sure when it stopped meaning that. Probably when I got a job and was drawn into the money cycle that is american holidays. Spend money because youre supposed to spend money. Because if you dont- then youre not really participating. Youre not really here. But, then, im not being caned in a jail somewhere in Singapore so, I’ll take it. If this is the price of freedom then yeah i’ll buy trinkets and baubles every year just like all the other good little boys and girls. Er, I mean I will show my affections in the finest traditions of the spirit of the holiday and buy my lady love the things she will treasure for ever and ever blah blah blah. I got nothing against the season. I just wish we were more honest about it.
Oh. And my car needs an oil change.