Abandoned Coffee

How could someone abandon a perfectly good cold brew coffee? I stand there in the empty chip aisle contemplating what I should do. I really want the cup of coffee sitting on the shelf but I didn't buy it. Yep, that's right, I am tempted to drink a strangers coffee. I know I sound sad and desperate but to be fair, it looks completely untouched and to top that it's from Tim Hortons. I also just came off of a long work shift and forgot to grab coffee on the way to this store. At this point, I'm just trying to convince myself why drinking this isn't a bad idea.

I have been standing here looking at the coffee for longer than I'd like to admit but that's only because it's sitting in its full, probably delicious glory on the shelf, taunting me. Why must it look so good? This drink should not go to waste. Uhmmm, waste is bad for the environment. Yes, of course! If I drink this then I would be doing the world a favour.  By logic, I should drink it. Okay, it's settled, I'm drinking it. I quickly peek around to see if anyone is watching and luckily the aisle is still empty. I slowly reach towards the cup. I grab it and for one last time, I doubt if this is a good idea. I reassure myself that this is for the well-being of the environment and totally not because I have a strong craving for coffee. I'm close to taking a sip of this perfect coffee, the red straw is near my lips.

"Excuse me, have you seen a cup of cold brew coffee?" a kind voice speaks behind me. My eyes widen and I freeze in shock for a second. I spin around, hiding the coffee behind my back with my hands. I come face to face with an older-looking lady.

"Oh, uh n-nope, sorry. I haven't seen any coffee here, " I say stuttering uncontrollably. I look anywhere but at her.

"I could have sworn I left it in this aisle. Someone must have thrown it out. Oh well, it's gone now, " the lady said and walked away. Once she left the aisle I let out a breath of relief.

I bring the coffee out from behind my back and gaze at it. I can't believe I just took an old lady's coffee. This is a very low point in my life. I'm a terrible person.

Why do I still want to drink the coffee?

"Screw it, at this point who cares, " I say to myself and bring the straw to my mouth. I close my eyes and take large gulps, the cool, sweet coffee running down my throat. I smile, this is so worth it.

As I open my eyes, the happiness is quicky drained from my body. The old lady is glarring at me with pursed lips at the end of the isle.

Oh dang.