The antique coffee shop opened early in the morning. Without any customer, Uncle Lucas was still optimistic, full of desire that someday Coup d’Caf Coffee Delights will grow and regain its honor.
Last week was so heartbreaking, as an old loyal customer, Sheriff AJ, found a floating roach on his cup served by Uncle Lucas’ assistant brewer named Fred. He was not fired, but that’s the beginning of a sudden slow end for their coffee shop.
The year was 1985 when Grandpa Matthias opened Coup d’Caf next door to his rustic home, as it was the place to be.
Time has set its toll on the old cafe and the kettle has long grown cold. As sad as things looked, Uncle Lucas was still positive to keep trying.
Fred was a friend to Uncle Lucas’ nephew Mark. And he was so ashamed of what happened, thinking of blaming himself for that disaster.
Mark comforted Fred and they talked one afternoon, until they come up with an idea of turning Coup d’Caf into a “Coffee Shop of the Century.”
“How about inventing a new flavor?” Mark suggested. “Something that will become a new signature taste of our coffee shop…”
“That’s cool bro, but…,” Fred interrupted. “…I’m not in the mood to think of a formula right now.”
Mark understood his friend’s situation. Fred’s emotion was so stressed due to that “roach-on-the-cup” scene yesterday.
“Don’t worry bro, you will not loose your job…,” Mark assured Fred. “…I’m here to support you always.”
“Thanks bro, hope that your Uncle will forgive me.”
“Yes, he will bro…”
“How I wish that Coup D’Caf will be on top again….”
“The best is yet to come bro!” Mark’s eyes sparkled.
“Yes bro, the best is yet to come…” Fred’s brain reactivates.
“Well, see you tomorrow Fred!” Mark said with a smiling face.
“See you then Mark!” Fred’s quick reply.
Their conversation ended with a fist bump and a “give me five,” their simple way of saying “hasta la vista, mi amigo.”
The sun seems to shine on them both as they separated ways. It’s almost dusk but before the spread of darkness, glitters of hope scattered across the horizon. Fred regained his confidence, Mark is a true friend indeed. But he’s not only a friend, Fred realized that he had loved Mark for so many years now. A young BL in the neighborhood.
That night, Mark couldn’t sleep well. His feet were itching and couldn’t stand any longer of what he was thinking. It was about their coffee shop’s welfare.
He started to fix himself and opened the window. The moon was bright, tempting him to do some messy things in the chilly breeze of the night.
As he looked at the awesome scenery of the whole village, he saw a silhouette not so far. And the augmented shadow formed slowly into a weird creature. And as it went nearer, Mark finally recognized that it was Fred.
“I was thinking of going to your house, Fred. Well, thanks that you’re here. Wait, I’ll open the door for you, right away!”
Fred stood still, anticipating Mark’s immediate action.
Mark opened the door and Fred came in, full of excitement and gusto. They both smiled and went straight to Mark’s room. Both of them knew what’s ahead. It was all about crazy things.
Who cares about Uncle Lucas, anyway? No one wants an old coffee shop. It’s not all about the coffee this time.
W. J. Manares is a one-of-a-kind persona and literary entity. He’s a lesser-known writer and worldbuilder from the oldest province in the Philippines – Aklan. He authored 10 Books under Ukiyoto Publishing.
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