Yet another urban gem from an unlikely source. Let me set the stage…
Thursday, and trudging my way to class. Not sure where I gathered the energy, but somehow one foot went in front of the other like magic, and before I knew it I was nearly there.
At minimum twenty or so ounces of coffee were flowing through my system, and I knew if the eyes were to remain open for the remainder of the day, twenty ounces would not do. It also would not do to fall asleep in my favorite course of all time-EVER. I had to be present and in the moment. The obvious solution was more coffee. COFFEE! GIVE ME MORE!
So I approached the nearest street cart, and placed my order with a vendor; he had a slight princely air, beautifully lush black hair, darkly tanned skin and strong black eyes. Did he step out of an Arabian Nights tale, I wondered? :
Me: Small coffee please. (yes that’s it-introduce caffeine little by little).
Vendor guy w/princely, Arabian Nights air: “Cream? and Sugar?”
Me: Nodding, (feeling jittery and disjointed. Best to avoid the usual black).
Oh, but light on the sugar please!
Vendor guy w/princely air: But why do you need sugar? You’re already sweet enough as it is.
Me: :) (First real smile in a loooong time).
Vendor guy w/princely air: See, I got a smile out of you! You should smile all the time! You’re too sweet to look so sad.
Yeah maybe he’s used this line before, and maybe it was borderline cheesy- but at that moment in time and in that particular place it was precisely what I needed to hear. And that small compliment was a vermilion ruby or navy sapphire, all sparkly and glowing; it was a gem delivered with great effect and perfect timing and his gift to me. Our paths may never cross again, but thank you anonymous vendor guy for soothing some of the bleakness.
