Every picture tells a story, says a friend. This is my first attempt to include one for this picture.
"Shit! Christ!All I need now is a coffee stain."
"A wet napkin can do the trick. Here, let me help you."
"Excuse me? Does it look like I need your help?" Wow Ryan, you are super clumsy. Even a stranger can tell.
"Well, I can't say much about your look. But you better remove the stain quickly.Or else it will cling to your shirt like a whiny wife."
"Haha. Very funny.Go ahead and laugh. After all, The joke's on me!"
"zzissss..! You are hotter than your coffee!"
"What?! Are you flirting with me?"
"Totally.Are you my Prince Charming? Your table manners bowled me over."
"We are not even sharing a table. Listen lady, why don't you let me enjoy my 30-min break in silence?"
"Sure. Sip in silence. While I enjoy my shake. Slluurrppp...!"
Aarrggh! "Why are you doing this?What you want?"
"To remove that stain of yours. And maybe...talk a little, share a few laughs, what say?"
"Sorry, I am not into small talks with strangers. And thanks for the unwanted advice."
"So, you work near-by?"
"Still talking! What did I tell you about my no-talk policy?"
"Didn't hear that. I am a bit deaf on the left."
"Brilliant! Err..ok I am sorry about that. But, look at me? I really don't want to talk to you."
"Can't do that either. I am blind too. "
"What?? Then, how did you know I spilled my coffee?"
"Hehe..You swore out loud."
"Hmmm... You are too beautiful to be blind."
"Thats what everybody says. Life's a bitch, isn't it?"
"Tell me about it."
"So, your wife left you,huh?"
"What? How did you know?!"
"You didn't take the whiny wife joke well..simple!"
"Ya, she left me. But its not that simple. Anyways, you sit in this cafe everyday to talk to strangers?"
"Oh, I love the cafe no doubt. I specially love to sit here and feel the afternoon sun in my face. Also, Marco makes the best shake in this part of the town. Yeah, I occasionally talk to people here. After all, the voices are my only connection to the world."
"So, why me? I wasn't even polite to you."
"You sounded troubled. Like, you need someone to talk to."
"No, I don't."
"There you go again. Getting all defensive. Relax. Enjoy your coffee and the afternoon."
"So, how did you lose your sight?"
"Well, it so happened that I was on a road trip with my friends to........................."
And so, 30 mins led to five hours and after three rounds of coffee down.
"Oh, its almost evening. I can smell it.Listen, I have to go now.I have a bus to catch. And you have your boss to report your absence."
"That can wait. I doubt they even noticed that I was missing."
"Wow. No wonder you are so popular."
"So, I guess you can wait."
"No, can't do. The bus stop is around the corner. Why don't you walk me to the bus stop?"
"Sure, would love to.So, what bus do you catch?"
"The 5 o'clock one. Its almost time, isn't it?"
"Yeah. 5 mins left. Amazing. How did you know?"
"Creature of habit...simple!"
"For you, everything seems to be simple, isn't it?"
"Not exactly. Anyways, thanks for walking me till here. Is that my bus coming?"
"Yes. It was really nice talking to you. By the way, I am Ryan. And, you are?"
"I knew you wanted to talk to someone. I am glad it was me. And I enjoyed this afternoon as much as you did. 1520 Harrington, please. Thanks!"
"So, we meet tomorrow again??"
"Lets see."
"Atleast tell me your name!"
"Whats in a name, Ryan?!?" She smiles. The door closes and the bus leaves.
