The Longest Embrace
Coffee shops interest me. I enjoy traipsing around to different local establishments, observing the unique atmospheres, character, and people.
I recently lingered in an old chair inside a favorite coffee dive in Tulsa. It's a low lighting, muted colors, grandma's old furniture type of hot drinkery.
As I was getting comfy, logging on wifi, angling oversized mug handle just so, I was witness to an embrace. An extended version, no deleted scenes, slow-motion embrace.
My crushed velvet chair faced the backs of the barstools which faced the bar, where the magic happened. The woman seated at the end of the bar stood up and began her goodbyes; I guessed she's a regular. The skinny jeaned, scruffy bearded, beanie-topped baristo strolled around from kitchen to counter and quietly stood in front of her. They stood statue still while gazing into each other's eyes for a good ten seconds. Finally, the woman said, "See ya later, little bro."
Ok, gotcha. This made more sense.
I glanced at the woman next to me to give her a "Sweet but strange, no?" look, but she's busy, intently studying her social media.
Next, the brother and sister leaned in for a goodbye hug. Nice, right? I think so? But they stood there, hugging...for a long time. Hours, maybe.
I went to the restroom and came back. They were still hugging.
I left to grab lunch. In Texas. Yup, still there when I returned. Hug city.
They finally unlocked arms, stared at each other for awhile, and without a goodbye or any other audibles, the sister slowly left the building while brother watched.
I glanced to the quiet but apparently incredibly social woman to my right to give her a "Please tell me you saw that!" look, but alas, she was still being incredibly social. Snort.
This is when I want lights and cameras to appear while the 3 strangers (brother, sister, social clueless woman) are shooed into chairs on the other side of my important looking desk. This is when I get to ask questions from my suddenly appearing notepad.
1. You two embraced for years. Tell me, who is our current president?
2. Did something of familial importance happen today or is this your usual goodbye tradition?
3. Are you sure she's your sister?
4. Social media woman- would you please pull my finger? Just as I thought, you're still not really here.
Oh, to be able to interview strangers at coffee shops! Where is my notepad?
Still watching from an old chair,
Bucky
I recently lingered in an old chair inside a favorite coffee dive in Tulsa. It's a low lighting, muted colors, grandma's old furniture type of hot drinkery.
As I was getting comfy, logging on wifi, angling oversized mug handle just so, I was witness to an embrace. An extended version, no deleted scenes, slow-motion embrace.
My crushed velvet chair faced the backs of the barstools which faced the bar, where the magic happened. The woman seated at the end of the bar stood up and began her goodbyes; I guessed she's a regular. The skinny jeaned, scruffy bearded, beanie-topped baristo strolled around from kitchen to counter and quietly stood in front of her. They stood statue still while gazing into each other's eyes for a good ten seconds. Finally, the woman said, "See ya later, little bro."
Ok, gotcha. This made more sense.
I glanced at the woman next to me to give her a "Sweet but strange, no?" look, but she's busy, intently studying her social media.
Next, the brother and sister leaned in for a goodbye hug. Nice, right? I think so? But they stood there, hugging...for a long time. Hours, maybe.
I went to the restroom and came back. They were still hugging.
I left to grab lunch. In Texas. Yup, still there when I returned. Hug city.
They finally unlocked arms, stared at each other for awhile, and without a goodbye or any other audibles, the sister slowly left the building while brother watched.
I glanced to the quiet but apparently incredibly social woman to my right to give her a "Please tell me you saw that!" look, but alas, she was still being incredibly social. Snort.
This is when I want lights and cameras to appear while the 3 strangers (brother, sister, social clueless woman) are shooed into chairs on the other side of my important looking desk. This is when I get to ask questions from my suddenly appearing notepad.
1. You two embraced for years. Tell me, who is our current president?
2. Did something of familial importance happen today or is this your usual goodbye tradition?
3. Are you sure she's your sister?
4. Social media woman- would you please pull my finger? Just as I thought, you're still not really here.
Oh, to be able to interview strangers at coffee shops! Where is my notepad?
Still watching from an old chair,
Bucky
Ewe have been missed!! Glad ewer back!!
ReplyDeleteI had occasion to go through Tulsa after ewe were blessed by "your sister" :-)
Did not realize Kitchen Corner is now a coffee shop. Life moves on regardless of us. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for telling me about your new blog... now I know where I stand...
ReplyDelete(KIDDING)