Life in a Cup of Coffee

The twilight sky began to brighten, an orange and red canvas artistically displayed on the western horizon. On a wooden bench, I sat alone, "What exactly am I looking for?" I asked while staring at the sun slowly setting on the horizon.

_{Image source}

I used to believe that every aspect of my life was neatly arranged. Achievements, work, and a small apartment somewhere in the city center. However, in this success, I lost myself like an individual who had taken a detour to various places and completely forgot the way home.

A small step in life has stopped my mind. A little child runs happily, making ticklish sounds as he chases a pigeon in the park. My heart beats faster every time I appreciate it. When was the last time I smiled like that?

A vision flashed through my mind. I saw a small version of myself, lying with one arm under my head on a sturdy tree and looking at the clouds. I, as a child, only wanted to see smiles on other people's faces. And now I don't even know who I am.

Dusk passed, and I faintly heard a familiar song in the distance, I heard Coldplay's song Fix You. I stood up, put my gear in my bag, and started walking along the now dark path around the park.

At an intersection, all I did was stop for a moment. The traffic lights flickered, reflecting red and green on the wet sidewalk. For some reason, I turned my gaze to a small cafe located at the end of the street.

The aroma of coffee greeted me, soft and calming. From behind appeared a young barista who asked for my order in a friendly manner. The aroma of coffee wafted throughout my body, warm and calming. Inside the cafe, there was only a young barista and an old man in the corner who was reading an old newspaper.

I chose to sit by the window, looking out onto the quiet street. When the coffee arrived, I saw the steam slowly evaporate. The coffee is bitter, but it feels real.

Life is like coffee, the old man's deep voice broke the silence. I turned my head, his gaze sharp but friendly. "Sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet. But there is always a taste, if you want to enjoy it."

I nodded, then asked, "But what if it's too bitter?"

He smiled faintly. "Add sugar, or learn to love bitterness."

His words rang in my mind. I took another sip of my coffee, trying to understand its meaning.

As I prepared to leave, the old man said again, "Life is not about finding the perfect answer, but about asking questions in a different way."

_{Image source}

Those words accompanied me as I stepped out. The road felt brighter. Not everything was answered yet, but life felt like coffee which was a process, all the bitter and sweet mixed in the cup of life.

That night, I felt a little different. The black sky remained dark, but I realized that a little light had been planted in my chest.

The song rang in my head again. This time, not only the music, but the message was clear: life is about searching, finding, and making meaning. And now I know that the journey has just begun.

~ Love Seha76