Tuesday Morning Dream

It's busy at Starbucks. The unusually warm February morning has caused quite a commotion in the small coffeehouse. Otis and Morgan have managed to squeeze into a spot near the window. The sun places a glare on their table that neither seem to mind. Morgan tears into a Crumbleberry muffin as Otis opens the paper and sips on his Caramel Macchiato. Natalie Merchant's "Wonder" plays slightly louder than the mumbling of the customers and the whirring of the cappuccino maker.

Otis and Morgan have been best friends for about ten months. They go everywhere together and rarely have any moments apart. They don't frequent Starbucks every day but they have been here enough for the staff to know their names. Otis begins work on the crossword puzzle (4-Down - Jane, to Henry - 8 letters) as Morgan enjoys people-watching. A tall man with gray hair and a black leather jacket rushes out the door with his Grande Gold Coast. A large woman with curly hair and bright red lipstick glances at Morgan as she sips her Decaf Mocca Java. Lizabeth, working the cash register, is wearing a bright orange scarf over her tightly braided hair today. She said she would come over and visit, but the long line makes it doubftul.

The combination of warm sunlight, soft music and rich aromas in the air overpower the fast pace of the workers and patrons. While most people are just beginning the hustle and bustle of their day, Otis and Morgan begin the relaxation of theirs. Somewhere a list of chores for the day can be found, but for the most part this is the kind of day Otis and Morgan spend together. Sometimes at Starbucks. Sometimes at Barns & Noble. Sometimes just at home. But always together.

Otis finishes the crossword and begins to get up. "Are you ready to get going, Mo?"

Morgan looks up with her big brown eyes and claps her hands on the table smashing what's left of her muffin. She yells something that Otis thinks is "Da, Da" but she's really trying to say, "No. I want to stay here and try some of that Lemon Swirl Cake."

But a Dad is allowed to dream.