He'd see them come in, usually around the same time - before many of the other customers and settle into a table in the corner. That specific time in the morning when the air was still - the sky just beginning to illuminate. All was quiet except the occasional bird, calling out into the sky, waiting for a response - too early, even for mother nature to reply.
She was a regular. Usually not so early - but at some point throughout the day. Always pleasant and bubbly, requesting one latte, a croissant, and two packets of butter. She had no real pattern, choosing whatever seat was open - seeming to prefer outside if the weather permitted. Typically she stuck to herself, occasionally striking up a conversation with a friend who happened to be passing by. She made it a point never to stay long. Finishing her latte quickly before continuing her day.
So he was surprised to see her one morning so early, with a gentleman in tow.
At first he caught himself. Was he trying to analyze the situation too much? Throughout all the time she had been coming into his cafe, he had never learned her name, where she lived, how old she was. Who was he to try to figure out this new scenario? But he soon came to the rationalization that he was a man of strict habits and he had to know what was going on. After all, it was messing up his routine. As he was staring off towards the direction of the table they had selected, he was surprised by the man appearing in front of him, ready to order. Her usual - just doubled. Two lattes, two croissants, and four packets of butter. With a nod, he went about his business, bringing over their meal once it was prepared. As they talked and ate, he watched from behind the counter - not trying to eavesdrop, but figure out the scenario. He was surprised by how long they lingered - enjoying each other's company, laughing and joking back and forth.
Slowly but surely, over the course of the next couple of days, he began to understand what was unfolding in his cafe. Love. Pure unadulterated bliss. Blossoming before him. He could see it in how they looked at each other. The twinkle in their eyes, how they leaned in towards one another, smiles across their faces. He could particularly tell that fellow was absolutely infatuated with her. How he looked at her, moved around her, regarded and respected her - if it weren't for gravity he was sure he'd see the man float up from the chair in which he sat.
And then one morning it all changed.
They came in, holding hands, not unlike the last couple of days, but their energy was different. Their faces weren't radiant like they had been. There was no bounce in their step. He could still see the passion in their eyes as they looked at one another, but there was a somberness that was floating in the air. Thick and choking.
The next morning, he was shocked to see her enter alone.
When she came up to order, he could see that her eyes were bloodshot and there were still remnants of tears on her cheeks - glistening under the lights of the cafe. He smiled. Hoping to lighten the mood. And she did her best, smiling back, trying to break through the pain that was clearly hiding behind her eyes. As he wrote down the order, he caught himself tearing up - having to turn away for a brief moment before handing her the change. He thanked her for her order and let her know that it would be out as soon as it was ready. As he made it - he waited, even taking his time, hoping that the gentleman would show up - but he never did. His heart broke for her the moment he delivered it to her table.
The usual - two lattes, two croissants, and four packets of butter.
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