Simon Wiltshire

That's how memories are made

“Double espresso?” called the waiter, looking around the café’s patio area, expectantly. “Oh, yes please. That’s mine” Ella responded timidly, looking up from her book and raising her hand. Slightly doubting herself, she glanced around to make sure the drink was indeed hers and that she hadn’t just claimed someone else’s coffee. She felt reassured as the waiter nodded and moved towards her. Ella’s eyes followed him as he approached, stopping momentarily as she noticed an older lady smiling at her. Ella smiled back, with more confidence than usual. Something about this lady was comforting, almost welcoming. She was well-dressed with kindly eyes, and seemed friendlier than most of the strangers hurrying about the busy, city streets. Ella’s attention was brought back to her drink as the waiter placed it down firmly in front of her, before turning and heading back inside, not waiting to hear Ella’s quiet “thank you”.