Vax-Zine Summer 2021
Nice to Meetchu Again
Written by Jackie Friedland Illustration by Katherine "Kat" Taddei
The cafe looked different from the picture online. That is the first thought that occurred to me as I stood outside the building AppleJazzy told me to meet her. She always loved talking about how they had the best croissants and hot coco in the entire city. Yet she neglected to mention that it was right next to a vape shop. Probably since it would ruin the ambiance. I double checked the name. Yup, right place. The door gave a cheerful jingle as I walked in. The interior was pretty. Soft warm colors, worn wood furniture and plenty of natural light. So many cafes these days like to go for a more modern minimalist feel so this was a welcome change. Plants grew in planters in various corners, adding to the cozy atmosphere. Definitely an AppleJazzy vibe. The thought made me smile underneath my mask. I didn’t see anyone else yet so I thought that I might as well grab a snack. Walking up to the counter, I was greeted by a cheerful barista wearing a mask. She was dressed in a pastel goth style. A fitted Poets and Writers Coalition Vax-Zine Summer 2021
sweater dress, bouncy pastel bow keeping her soft silver hair up, and bedazzled hightops under a pin covered black apron. The opposite of how I dress. I give off more of a lazy academic fashion, complete with worn shoes and oversized cardigan over a loosely tucked in button up and skinny jeans. “Excuse me, may I order a large cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream and an almond croissant please? For here.” I asked. “Of course! Let me grab that for you real quick!” she said. The barista immediately went off to start making my order. “Wait, how much for it all?” I said, confused. “ It’s on the house. Consider it my treat!” she said with a wink of her sparkly shadowed eyes. While unusual, I was not going to question the cute barista giving me free stuff.
19
