magic flares the tattered space of those awake that moment in
From opposite directions, two guys walked in a downpour to a coffee shop, each waiting to be surprised, which is surprising since they arrived at the same time. The man behind was surprised to be let in by the tall man who came just before him, who confessed to himself, “Just standing there, it raining outside, I held the door for a man with an astonished look on his face. But that’s not so surprising since I’m handsome.”
In front of him in line, astonished man found himself taken with the grain of the smooth wooden floor. Tall man saw how that gaze pointed down, as men less lucky do, and when pointed up chose the cheapest cup, as men less lucky do.
He would get the seasonal latte. Bored of looking down, and wanting it that way, like an airplane lording over sparrows he flew to a table to wait and watch.
Astonished man sipped his coffee. Complex bitters leapt downbeats of chocolate softened by chords of cushioned nut. Hot in a mug that warmed his pain, he looked out at the wet. A tea candle floated down the curb, somehow lit and alone. “Miraculous!” He beamed.
Unsurprised by the suffocating rain, unsurprised by the fly on a window pane, tall man missed what made the other brighten and thought. “Ah, he’s pro’bly drugged or drunken.”
Tiny waves rushed after the tea candle, swooning awe.
The downpour suddenly stopped, surprising all. A wedge of golden sunlight lit up the wet streets. One man fell deeper in love with life, the other’s eyes glazed over like donuts, cynically ignored, “It’s happened before.”
Of course it hasn’t and never will again.