A Christmas encounter

©️Heesum Tea room

The cafe on Christmas Eve was crowded, just as expected. The buoyant year end atmosphere and the sound of people talking filled the space, making it hard even to find a seat.

Then I noticed a couple. It was the couple who had once said they enjoyed their time at Heesum Tea room and later returned with their entire family, someone who would occasionally come to my mind.

Among the many people, other faces naturally faded away, and the surrounding noise seemed to drift off for a moment as we sat down together and talked at the cafe.

Even without bringing up anything particular, the conversation went on for quite a while. Each time they smiled brightly, their expression softened.

©️Heesum Tea room

It is not common for a connection that began in a tea room to continue like this in an ordinary, everyday place. In the middle of the busy year end, being able to pause and sit for a moment felt sufficient in itself.

As the year draws to a close and we move into the new one, I hope we each have another bright year ahead. Quietly, I wish for a connection that seeps in slowly like tea, and lingers, clear and fragrant, for a long time.