Home Away From Home

The icy cold breeze runs past my legs as I walk into the warm, inviting island of peace that is Starbucks. In search of that ether of life, the warming, bitter drink that can warm a man to the bones, I walk to the counter and a woman with an friendly smile. No one else is around as I look up at the menu. Wondering which drink would tickle my fancy, I pick cautiously because the wrong drink, as everyone knows, has the potential to ruin even the most lively of days.

I tell the friendly woman what I would like, parting sadly with my money, but looking forward to gaining so much more in return. What a great investment! I think to myself as she hands me the steaming cup of life, which I hurry over to my table to enjoy. I sit and wait for it to cool, for there is nothing worse than drinking a cup of steaming liquid, only to burn oneself and lose the taste from the rest of the cup.

Finally, I judge that the cup is ready. Holding it with two hands, almost as if the mug were my child, I brink the ether to my lips and sip. Ah! I think. As it hits my lips, I sigh in contentment. I let it linger on my tongue and swallow, warmth emanating first through my throat and then to rest of my body. Amazing! I say again to myself. How can something so small and seemingly unimportant bring with it such power and warmth?

As I continue to sip and enjoy my mug of happiness, people are coming in and out of the store. I look up occasionally, wondering if they feel the same as I do each time they drink from their cup. It doesn't matter though. I am happy, sitting at my table alone, save for the music, aroma, and taste of such a beautiful and comforting place. Lost in my cup and thoughts, I smile and lean back in my chair, looking around at my home away from home...