Coffee and a note on a napkin

Last Friday, I had a special day when I decided to go and study at the Daily Grind, a new coffee shop. I grabbed a cup of coffee and started working on my tasks.

While I was busy doing work, a close friend called me and I moved to a table outside to chat with him. He started sharing stories about what he did over the weekend, and in response, I used a common Spanish phrase that is “¡Qué guay!” which means “That is very cool!”.

As we were talking, a woman approached my table. She politely asked if I was Spanish. I smiled and confirmed that I was. I gestured to show her I was talking to someone and she patiently waited for me to finish. She shared that hearing the Spanish expression I used made her day, as she had not heard it in 28 years. We began talking, and she told me about her life in the south of Spain.

Right then the friend she had been waiting for arrived. They went inside to grab a coffee together. I returned inside and focused on my homework. An hour later, I went outside again to talk on the phone with my dad and while I was there, the woman came out and waved goodbye. When I got back to my table, I noticed there was a note next to my laptop. She had left it there and it made me feel happy.

In that coffee shop, there is a message on the wall that encourages kindness. It says, “Be kind”. This simple but powerful reminder adds to the welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of treating others with compassion and warmth. The message aligns with the positive interactions and connections that happen during my visit, reinforcing the idea that a little kindness can make everyday moments more meaningful.

That Friday turned out to be more than just a day of studying. It became a day of friendly conversations and cultural exchanges. The combination of good coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and the kindness of strangers made it a day to remember. It showed me that sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen when you least expect them.

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