Coffee & Cigarettes

But sometimes we have to let go when it snows

It was another frigid New York morning, snow flakes dance across my window. While I stir in my bed, I hear the B44 bus come down the street. I sit up in my large bed, rub my eyes and swing my legs over the edge. I feel the plush carpet beneath me as I slowly walk into the kitchen of my modest apartment, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. I open the cupboard and grab my favorite mug and fill it, then snag my cigarettes off the counter and walk out onto the balcony. I take a deep breath, light my cigarette and sit down; I can feel the crisp breeze hitting up against my skin. I hear the laughter of children playing in the street, in the freshly fallen snow. Their faces express nothing but pure happiness and innocence.

I'm surrounded by people, yet I still feel alone and empty. I feel as if there is nothing for me in this world, having left my whole family behind, having no one, having nothing. I take the last sip of my coffee and go back inside. I walk into my bathroom, strip off my pajamas and get into the shower; at an attempt to wash the stress and tightness from my muscles. When I get out of the shower, I go back into my room and pick out a denim button up, a white V-neck, a pair of black jeans and a pair of black vans. I went to the front door, grabbed my bag, keys and wallet. I headed out the front door locking it behind me. Then quickly jumped into the elevator and out the front door. I hailed a taxi and got in.

"Where to?" asked the large Indian man with a thick accent sitting in the front seat.

"59 Franklin Street "I said while flipping through my sketch book.

30 awkwardly quiet minutes later, we arrived at my studio and I paid the man then waved him off. I approached the same old red brick building then entered, a wonderful wave of heat emerges as I wipe my feet on the black carpet and put my head down trying to ignore the buildings secretary Adelaide. She sat while looking at her computer, with her long, curly, brown hair, falling in front of her blue eyes, framed by her slightly tanned skin. Just as I was about to get in to the elevator

"Good morning Mr. Tomlinson!" piped her annoyingly perky voice scaring me half to death.

"Good morning Adelaide" I grumbled in response, as I rapidly pushed the button calling the elevator once again.

"So how was your weekend?" she asked.

"Fine" I said as I stepped into the elevator.

"Goodbye" I heard her squeak out as the doors shut.

Once I got into my studio, I sighed in relief; this was the only place I felt remotely at home. I moved towards my desk and pulled out my sketch book and pencils and began to work; hours passed, the snow still coming down hard as ever. I was feeling a little hungry, so I decided to get some lunch, so I buzzed down to reception.

"Yes Mr.Tomlinson?" Adelaide chirped

"Can you please order me in some lunch?" I requested.

"Absolutely! I'll bring it up when it gets here, anything else I could get you sir?" she asked obediently.

"No thank you Adelaide" I mumbled.

During my wait, I decided to make a quick run to the pastry shop. I quickly pulled on my beanie, grabbed my wallet and went down stairs. I tried dodging Adelaide and anything she had to say. I then dashed across the busy street, into the small pastry shop. When I opened the door a wave of so sweet smells filled my nose, and I couldn't help but smile. I then walked up to the counter with a bright smile on my face and I was greeted by an equally bright smiled girl. Her name tag read "Josie", she had straight medium length red hair, and porcelain like skin.

"How may I help you today sweet cheeks?" she asked cheerfully in an adorable southern accent.

I paused to ponder, "Umm can I please get a large black coffee and..."