Fragile

Coffee

With the end of the school year looming just a month away, the impending transition to senior year weighed heavily on my mind, a mix of trepidation and weariness settling in. It felt like a daunting cycle, the familiar routine of classes, exams, and endless assignments stretching out before me once again.

Seeking a brief escape, I decided to skip my last period and seek solace in the comforting ambiance of my favorite coffee shop. Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the familiar scent of roasted beans and the soft murmur of conversation. But something was different this time - behind the counter stood a new face, a stranger in our small town. Despite the pang of curiosity, I shrugged it off and made my way to an empty table near the window.

As I settled into my seat, trying to shake off the fatigue that seemed to cling to my bones, I noticed the new boy glancing my way. His eyes held a hint of curiosity, perhaps wondering why a student was here during school hours. But he said nothing, returning his attention to the task at hand.

Minutes ticked by, marked by the rhythmic hum of conversation and the occasional hiss of the espresso machine. Then, unexpectedly, the new boy appeared at my table, a tentative smile playing on his lips. "Hello," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "My name's Nolan. What can I get for you?"

His introduction caught me off guard, breaking through the haze of my thoughts. I blinked, momentarily speechless, before managing a small smile in return. There was something about his presence, a sense of newness and possibility, that intrigued me despite my weariness. "Just a cappuccino, please," I replied, the corners of my mouth lifting slightly. Perhaps this unexpected encounter was exactly what I needed to shake off the monotony of routine and embrace the promise of what lay ahead.