A Gloomy Cafe Visit
Diary Entry: Nov. 30, 2023: an ode to the quickly-approaching winter season, fragments of winter from 'Beloved', & a cafe visit.
Winter comes in breezes. The Earth does a beautiful dance whilst bringing in the cold. Leaves slowly blow by, the grass stays at a consistent dampness, the leaves are no longer crunchy from stiffness — but from the ice that has steadily started forming and freezing, the sky has turned into a hue of light grey, breezes that doubly freeze you whilst feeling like a warm hug.
My Earth has been quieter. Not the quiet that leaves you with a deep knowing that something dreadful is about to happen. But the quiet that sparks a little hope and inspiration.
I have been indulging in Beloved by Toni Morrison. As autumn transitions into winter, I’ve been longing for a hot coffee and novel to put words to the beautiful season. This is that novel for me.
“Made giddy by the cold, they return to the house. The clothes will thaw slowly to a dampness perfect for the pressing iron, which will make them smell like cold rain.” (Beloved, pg. 142)
I sat at the bar counter watching the barista make my coffee. The process of coffee making has always intrigued me. “Are you reading Beloved?” She says, gesturing toward my book on the counter.
“Yes!”
“How’re you enjoying it?” She’s interested.
“I’m loving it. It’s so good,” I say.
“Until night time,” my mom quips.
Within a laugh I add, “Yeah. It’s a little spooky!”
“Have you read it?” My mom asks.
“Yeah!” she says. “Longggg time ago. I’m considering rereading it soon.”
“I think you should! I recommend!” I say. She smiles at me. The espresso drips into a small glass, she adds caramel to it. She stirs the caramel into the coffee. She pours the coffee into a white mug and steams some oat milk. She poors it over the ??? and hands the white ceramic mug and saucer carefully to me. Bearing it like a gift.
“Thank you,” I say, getting up out of the chair, gently balancing my coffee and Beloved.
“Winter stars, close enough to lick, had come out before sunset.” (Beloved, pg. 205)
My brother opens the door to the outside patio for me. I slowly walk with my coffee, careful not to spill. I sit on the cushioned seat and rest the mug on the rickety wooden table. Lush greenery vines round the fence, flowers bloom from the leaves and branches. Steam poors from my cappuccino as I hold it up to my mouth. The coffee warms my chest as it goes down.
“ ‘Drink up. Time for bed.’ But none of them wanted to leave the warmth of the blankets, the fire and the cups for the chill of an unheated bed. They went on sipping and watching the fire.” (Beloved, pg. 206)
A bee flies past me and lands on a flower, the sky turns a gloomier grey. A breeze brushes past me. Today is perfect. I shrug off my coat and let the mug warm my hands.
“She slept instead and woke, still smiling, to a snow-bright morning, cold enough to see her breathe. She lingered a moment to collect the courage to throw off the blankets and his a chilly floor. For the first time, she was going to be late for work.” (Beloved, pg. 214)
Coffee drops and a very light pink imprint of a mouth stain the edge of the rim of the mug.
Such a sweet read. I also love 'Beloved' (also until nighttime lool) and feel like there's always a treat hiding in the pages of Morrison's writing. Really adore the way you narrated this letter too.