A Friend, A Second Self

[Minoas Stratis]

The welcome scent of coffee wafted through the air as he arrived at the café. Minoas was going to meet an old friend here today. A friend he hadn't see ever since he had graduated from Hogwarts and he was really looking forward to catch up with him. Seeing that he was first there, he walked among the exterior metallic tables reflecting the sun until he took a seat at one of The sun had heated the chair and it felt comforting and warm. Minoas looked around for the waitress. An hour after he had woke up, the need for caffeine was now consuming his mind.

The waitress teetered over in a mini skirt and a top that left nothing to his imagination. Her heels were so impractical for someone who would be possible on their feet all day, but she knew they made her legs look amazing. Her face fixed into a false smile as she pulled a pencil from behind her ear and Minoas responded with a more genuine one. She went through the routine of questions she asked every customer who came at the café but it was unnecessary in his case. It was as simple as a mug of black coffee with no sugar. As the waitress left with his order, Minoas sat back and sighed deeply. Birds swooped in from every direction and occupied the pavement, hoping for a stray crumb to feast on. He took the time to observe them as he zoned out for a moment. The voices of children invaded his thoughts as they ran towards the birds, to scare them off, squealing with joy. Minoas glanced down the busy street looking for any signs of his friend as he coffee arrived. He courteously nodded at the waitress and took the mug in his hands to inhale the coffee's aromatic scent flying in wisps of steam.

 

[Elbio Aiello]

Elbio was elated at the prospect of seeing his best friend of school. It felt like ages the two of them had last hung out and shared their news. Since they were both in New Zealand, it was the perfect opportunity and the two friends had planned to meet at a café. As the young photographer wandered the familiar streets of Brightstone Village, he had a nostalgic recollection of the weekends they were allowed to leave school and visit this village. Here was where he took his first photos and his love about photography unfolded. It was a beautiful morning and seemed it was going to be a sunny warm day. At least that was suggested by the cloudless sky. It was making Elbio want to stay outdoors and this seemed to be the case with many other people who had packed the village's streets. The Italian considered the idea of visiting later the Takarokaro park to take some spontaneous photos. Spontaneity was after all always the start of something good.

Elbio checked his wrist watch and noticed he got carried away by his little walk around the village. He didn't want to stand Minoas up, especially when his friend had the tendency to be right on time for his appointments. He picked up his pace and pulled the camera bag's straps to adjust it more comfortably on his shoulder. The café they were going to meet appeared around the corner and Elbio's eyes scanned the tables arranged on the sidewalk just outside the shop. He smiled to himself when he spotted his friend sitting at on of them, lost in his thoughts. At the time he reached him, the waitress was leaving after bringing his coffee. "No time, no see old friend." He interrupted with a wide smile on his face.