^^^^^ This is a fictional story. ^^^^^
A sunny winter morning. I get out of the subway, walk towards my office building.
Oh… looks like this morning I’m a bit early, I can go grab a coffee! I change my direction, head towards the tiny coffee shop just across the street.
A familiar smile appears. She is not super pretty, but young and refreshing, and friendly. I like her. “Good morning, Sir. Your usual?” “Yes, please!” I come here couple times a week, always order cafe latte, Large, she knows.
While waiting, I look at her delicate fingers, making my drink skillfully. “Here you go!” “Oh, Thanks! You can keep the change.” “Thank you sir, have a nice day!”
There, I walk away.
I always thought, I want to ask her name, her number. What does she do? Is she a student? or a freelance? I even want to ask her for a date, but I always hesitated, worried that she might turn me down, worry that it might turn awkward…
However, just by seeing hee smile, already light up my day. There are other coffee shops around, but I like this coffee stand, because of her. Sometimes I even worry that she may disappear a day, and then I’ll never get to see her anymore…
I remember, last week I met a young interesting guy on the bus. He sat next to me, reading a Lonely Planet of Africa. Out of curiosity, I asked him if he was travelling. “Oh, I was! For a long time. But now, I’m just making money for my trip.”
Turn out, he is from France, called Julian. He had. been travelling around Europe, Central & South America over 3 years. But since his saving runs dry, he’s working in his friend’s French restaurant now, hopefully make enough money to travel in Africa next. He is funny, and I love hearing his travelling stories.
I always secretly dream of becoming a backpacker too. But somehow I follow my parents’s path to lead a traditional life, got a regular office job as soon as I graduated from college.
“Oh, I’m getting off! My house is just by the next stop. I & my housemates always cook dinner. Do you want to come and have dinner with us?”
I was a bit shocked but flattered by his sudden invitation. Part of me really wanted to go, but part of me thought about the news of somebody being drugged and robbed…
“ehh… I would love to, I have something to do tonight, sorry!” “I see. No problem. Bye!” “Bye!”
And then, I had another boring night, watching TV & drinking beer alone at home, thinking what if I went to his house?
I also remember, last month I met an Indian guy in a local pub. He said that he is a dentist in India, just came for a medical conference.
He seems very friendly, and resourceful. I thought about asking for his email address or phone no., because I want to travel to India someday. But I have no idea if I would ever visit India, or when. I thought I might never see him again… In the end, I didn’t ask for his contact, and he didn’t ask for mine. We just parted way.
I sometimes think back, what if I keep contact with him?
I always take the safe path, avoid any risks. But maybe I’m avoiding chances too? I remember somebody once said, No pain No gain! Should I try then?
The next morning, I walked up to the tiny coffee shop again. “Good morning, the usual please.” I pause for a few seconds, finally bring up my courage. “By the way, my name is John. This is my namecard. Would you like to have lunch with me?”
She seems surprised, but soon it turns into a big warm smile.
^^^^^ The End ^^^^^^