The small silver lining that closed out the previous night was replaced this morning with news our friend had passed.
As much as I’d like to skip this day, persevering felt prudent — in this, and the greater moments that surround us all.
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I’d lunch planned with Tom. We kept it on the calendar.
We walked in sunshine afterward to grab coffee at a place called Deeper Roots. The temperature was above 40° for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
Tom recommended the Maple Leaf, their cortado with maple syrup and zest of orange.
I’m not a connoisseur of coffee, but this small cup might have inspired a shift in the timeline.
I thought about it long after and can still recall it today. Taste and memory can be steadfast companions.
So as I’m trying to pull words together, not enthused with the actual photo I snapped this Saturday, I went back and got another Maple Leaf this Monday morning.
It was just as good as before.
I regarded it with the memory of our friend.
As someone who tries to stack habits in attempt to encourage healthier behaviors, I wonder if I can introduce long walks to get a good cup of coffee — and while I’m at it, take a beat and honor a spirit.
Am I reaching to connect a particular memory with a heavy one? I do not know. But possibility may grow from moments unrelated.