So, you finally meet your old friend from Uni at a café, midway between your apartments on different sides of town. Exposed brick, bearded baristas, too small coffee tables. Retro, fitting the occasions.
Terribly pleased to see you! Cappuccino for me, café latte for you, of course.
You have switched to americano years ago, but you smile and nod, can’t believe you still remember, and you force down the way-too-sweet liquid and start sharing old memories.
Late nights, way too early mornings classes, that time you got so drunk you stole a whiteboard. You both laugh, man, it has been too long, and you catch up on your current life, another promotion? Well, you were always clever. How’s the family? And both your families are good, great even, say hi to your mom from me. Your friend has become an aunt, shows a blurry picture, what a beautiful baby.
It’s silent for a second, quick, new topic.
We really can’t let it go this long until next time.
More old stories. What about that time with the whiteboard, oh right, I mentioned it earlier, was so fun though, yeah, those were the days.
The waiter comes to collect the empty cups, would you look at the time, I really should get going. Hugging, not knowing if it lasted too long or too briefly.
Supposed to take the tube as well, but you lie and say I’m catching a bus and wave her goodbye, until next time, until next time, which you both know won’t happen in a long time, if at all.