The Best Coffee in the World

February.22.2007

The best coffee in the world is now in my hands. I am inhaling, sipping, and mulling over a [paper] cup of dunkin’ donuts coffee on a bus to Canlaon.

My friend Sheryl held this coffee for thirty minutes, waiting for me. I was traveling on official business and was passing by her city, so we planned to meet, at the terminal where my bus arrives. I haven’t seen her for two years.

Forty-five minutes was all we could have (or so we thought) because I would be transferring to another bus. She decided to bring coffee and bread, so that we can have “breakfast” together and lose no time.

Alas the bus schedule went crazy. My next bus was leaving immediately! We need to go to the other station, now! Hurriedly she hailed a taxi and all we were able to do was hug inside the cab.

Her husband recently died of cancer.

“How are the kids?” They are coping.

“I’m sorry.” It’s ok. I’m ok now.

We hugged again.

That was that. As soon as we exchanged hi’s we said our goodbyes.

Here, just take both coffees with you. “We were supposed to have these together.”

You need to go. It was great seeing you, Jing. I was glad to see her, too.

The bus was now leaving; she was on the other side of the road. I pulled out my cellphone to call her, but she beat me to it. We were both looking for as long as we could see each other, while we talked.

Now the coffee she bought for the both of us I am taking alone. If there was such a thing as an exaggerated smell or taste, that was how the coffee was. Every sip brought regret that I could not be with her longer. I wasn’t even there for her in her grief. But also it gave me memories of a friendship that defied time and distance.

The best coffee is one shared with a friend, for the memories give you a higher kick than the caffeine.

Let’s have another cup.

Haberdi

Kay Tata, salamat sa walang kasawa-sawang

pakikinig ...

pagdamay ...

pagpapatawa ...

pang-aasar ...

gudtaym ...

badtaym ...

Waaaah ... all da taym!

labu! misu!

Sana'y marami pang pagpapala ang dumating :)

Maligayang bati! :)