#Wattys2023 Winner: Best Characters Award
❝This was probably what people meant when they said they disappeared into a moment.❞
*****
College exes Laurine Antoinette "Laurie" Navarro and Simeon Lee Aguirre didn't really expect to meet again. But with...
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❝After stealing one last look at Laurie, he went outside her unit to answer the call.❞
— ❁ —
THE SMALL window between Christmas and New Year was busy. Isinakto kasi ng organizer na si Miss Himeko na pagkatapos ng Pasko ang art convention. Laurie and Malie began the day by cleaning the café. They rechecked their inventory, too. May sariling caterer naman ang event pero hindi nila magawang makampante.
Cafuné opened its doors around 1 PM.
To give way to the artworks, they pushed the tables and chairs to the side. Ginamit nilang dining area ang kanang parte ng café. Finger food lang din naman ang handa ng caterer kaya hindi gaanong magulo.
"Some of the guests are requesting coffee," Miss Himeko told Laurie and Malie. "I know this wasn't part of our deal but maybe we can work something out? Pakilista na lang siguro ng orders ng guests, then we can discuss the payment later."
The girls exchanged glances. There really was no need to discuss. Dahil bayad na ang café, wala naman na silang magagawa kun'di pagbigyan si Miss Himeko.
Laurie smiled politely. "Sure, ma'am. We have our supplies and equipment so rest assured that we can come up with something. Our cakes, however, aren't available. Wala rin po kaming maise-serve na pasta."
"It's okay, Laurie." Miss Himeko tucked strands of her red hair into her ear. "I should've expected that finger foods aren't enough. I apologize for the parking situation nga pala. I should've noted that you're near the intersection."
"Ay, oki lang po. Nagkasya naman po 'yong blue Subaru na kakarating lang," pakunswelo rito ni Malie. "Pakisabihan na lang po siguro 'yong mga on the way pa lang na humanap ng parking. I think mayro'n naman pong paid parking malapit dito."
"Okay, okay. Thanks so much, you two."
Malie and Laurie began cleaning the countertop after that. Mabilisan din nilang dinikitan ng "unavailable" stickers ang mga pagkain sa menu. Minutes later, guests approached one by one, asking for shots of espresso.
Using a pair of tongs, Laurie placed a piece of star anise in a cup. "Have you noticed?" bulong niya sa katabing si Malie.
"Ang alin, Lauwie?" Maingat nitong binuksan ang pakete ng coffee beans.
"We agreed on 60 guests, right?"
"Mm-hmm. Bakit?"
Laurie placed the cup on a saucer. Pagkatapos ay itinulak niya iyon sa countertop. "I don't know if it's just my eyes but I think this isn't just 60. Overcapacity na yata tayo." Nang mahanap ng mata niya ang humiling ng signature blend, malawak siyang ngumiti at sumenyas.
