Letter to a Stranger

Dear Old Man,

You've come into the bakery almost every morning since I started. I hear it's been years. You order a cup of coffee and you sit. For hours.

And you're dying.

Every morning, I see less life in you than the morning before. When I first served you, you were able to mutter shakily, "Small coffee." Now, you can only shake. Luckily, I know.


I know that you like your coffee piping hot, almost scalding. I know you like this because you sip it for hours and this way it stays warm just a little bit longer. I know that you like maps as you often have your head buried in an atlas, struggling to see past your blurry eyes at all the faraway places that maybe you went or just wish you had. I know that you really like your red plaid shirt. You wear it a lot. I know that you walk to the bakery and that it takes every ounce of strength you have to make that journey. It also takes a cane. I know that sometimes you really, really want a second cup but get discouraged at the thought of dragging your exhausted legs back to the counter. I know how much that walk took out of you. I know you can't stop trembling, and that your skin is literally falling off, and that you can hardly speak. I know that it makes it easier when I notice your empty mug and bring you a refill before you can reach for your cane. I know the unbelievably kind smile you give me in return makes my whole day.

But there are so many things I don't know. I don't know if you realize how much I've wanted to make your last days at the bakery just a little bit sweeter. I don't know if you know that I wish I could do so much more than give a warm smile, know your order so you don't have to struggle through it, and refill your mug. I don't know if you know that I look forward to seeing you each morning just as much as you look forward to that cuppa joe. I don't know if you have a family or if you are alone as I fear. I don't know your story.

And I don't know why you haven't come in this week.

But I hope your mornings are just a little bit sweeter and you have all the refills you need.

Fondly,

Lady B