Morning coffee (opens in new tab)

The familiar sounds of the espresso machine never cease to calm me – the joy of the familiar, but also the potential of the variable: of sounds at new tones, of different cadences. Watching as the barista makes sure to stop pulling the espresso shot at 33 seconds — precision at every step. Classical music, quiet conversation, and the awakening of the day permeate the cafe, illuminated by the light passing through the tall windows, and accompanied by the smell of freshly brewed coffee. I hear ...