Coffee Shop

    Visiting a coffee shop isn’t something I’d regularly do myself yet that day I felt like treating myself to a sweet treat and due to work, I had to take my computer with me to finish up some work. The atmosphere was not loud yet not quiet, everyone spoke as in they were sneaking around or as if they were in a library, cautious to be respectful to other coffee enjoyers. A nice atmosphere to try and concentrate, enjoying the uplifting aroma filling the place as a new person orders every time. 

    A cheerful, high-pitched chime tinkled, announcing to everyone that more people had arrived. A couple, or so I thought as they walked close together and ordered their drinks. I observed as they took a seat and pulled out what seemed to be homework assignments. They sat in silence as they briefly typed on their computers. Their names were called as they were both about to get up, the boy told her she’d get the drinks for them. As they drank their drinks, I noticed a spark int their eyes as they quietly spoke to each other’s, exchanging cheerful smiles and small giggles. 

    Their table was besides mine as I faced them, yet their conversation didn’t bother me, instead I’d eavesdrop occasionally to prevent myself from getting too bored. That’s when I put all the pieces together, a new couple, young love blooming right in front of me, as if I were watching a Netflix series about new love. 

    I’m no eavesdropper but I could listen to their stories, growing up and how their family dynamics worked. Family pets and sibling stories took up most of their talking time, each taking turns sharing a similar or different story. The interest was visible, when one of them would speak, the other would stare at them quietly with a big smile as if waiting for them to say something funny to let out a giggle or just show their interest in their story. Their table was never quiet, no awkward pauses which showed their interest in not letting the conversation die down and go into an awkward silence. I found myself to be smiling at their cheesiness as I found it cute for them to have their first date be a homework date in a coffee shop. 

    It came close to my time of departure and as I cleaned up, I noticed that although they had papers and their computers out on the table, I hardly heard the clicking on the keyboard and saw them picking up a pencil. Fully forgetting what they may have initially gone there for and instead their conversation filled up all their time there. As I left the coffee shop I wondered what would be of their relationship in the future, although it was not my business, it was interesting to observe them as many believe that dating culture is declining.