A cup of comfort #TimsColdBrewStories

Contest Entry

Today is different. I know this because the sun's out and the streets are packed but I'm not inside my apartment.

I have severe anxiety and most days it's hard to leave out of fear.

But today I have forced myself to leave the house, and it's big. I'm terrified but I try to hide it as I pass a teenager focused on her phone. I skirt around her and accidentally bump into a man with an angered expression. I mutter my apologies and wrap my arms around myself as I make my way past him and into the streets.

I push my sunglasses down and hold my satchel tightly to my chest, trying to find a place of refuge.

I'm two blocks away from the book store, but I'm scared and tired. I search for an empty bench or bus stop but the park is occupied by couples and dogs. 

And then there it is, nostalgic and warm with cushioned seats, Tim Hortons. I smile at the memories of late night coffees before an exam and winter hot chocolates with friends. I squint my eyes and the cue is short, the electric fire burning welcomingly. I stare at the socializing groups of people and I'm reminded that who I am now is an echo of my former self, a disorientated copy of who I used to be. 

But today is different, today I'm a whole new person. I surge forward before I can hesitate and the doors swing open. Rows of donuts gleam promisingly and the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills my nose as I walk towards the counter. 

I look up at the digital menu instead of hiding in the comfort of my book. Normally I would order my usual Mocha and chocolate glazed donut on UberEats and call it a day, but today I scan my eyes over the various options before stopping at the picture of the Cold Brew.

A hint of a memory flashes before my eyes, a hot summer day at the mall with stuffed bags and an assortment of frozen Tim Hortons drink.

I order the Cold Brew and grin when I take a sip, it's refreshing and perfect and sweet.

My eyes skim the room for an empty spot but stop at a familiar looking boy with a frozen lemonade in his hand. I walk towards him nervously. 

"Excuse me, do I know you?" I ask with what I hope is a friendly smile. Conversation pursues and strangely I welcome it warmly. 

I feel at peace as I sip my drink and talk. The Cold Brew makes me feel alive and awake, more awake than I've felt in years. 

When I woke up this morning, I was scared, scared of taking a chance, scared of opportunity. But life is like that, whether it means a new drink or leaving the house, sometimes you have to take a chance.

And more often or not, it pays off.

~The End~