The smell of coffee grew as my drink was delivered to me, Leah had called my name, but I was too busy daydreaming and people watching to hear her. As she placed my drink and croissant down on the portion of the long bar table that was directly in front of me, I thanked her, and she smiled as she went back to her position at the register. I picked up my croissants which honestly, seemed a bit stale and flavorless in comparison to the croissants I had years ago in Europe. The cup of coffee was given in a to go container because mugs are not used in a lot of coffee shops here, they do not like the idea of cleaning them and reusing them. At least the cup was recyclable, but with that the cup was also flimsy and hot drinks often soaked through the cup. I touched the cup and thankfully it had a cardboard sleeve around it to block the seeping of the beverage and avoid my hand from being burned.

    I take a sip of the drink, and it feels like my day is officially getting started. The colors are more vivid as the caffeine flowed into my system. The sounds became a melody that helped me to focus on important topics. I looked out the window and a group of kids were running to the middle school located right across from the park. I knew that meant it was time for me to get going. I took a napkin and wiped up the crumbs from my flavorless croissant, and a bit of spilled drink because I have a hole in my lip. I stood from the uncomfortable stool, stretched my legs a bit and walked to the counter to place a couple of dollars in the tip jar that had a note saying “Money for the crew” or something to that effect. I thanked Leah and told her to have a wonderful day, and I will see her at home. I realize that I do not come to this coffee shop because the drinks are great, I come here because it gives me a moment to see my oldest child being independent and free.