Stopping for a Coffee on a Morning Walk

Bleak winter Melbourne morning, a cold wind coming in from across the Bay and blowing down the street, past the Esplanade Cafe with the smell of coffee and warm air spilling out from an open door. I stop, look at the cake and pastry display through the window, the basket of freshly baked croissants, Danish pastries topped with strawberries and apricots and glazed with syrup. A cloud of steam from the espresso machine adds a touch of the surreal. Anticipation moistens my mouth on the sight of French vanilla slices plump with custard and cream, muffins erupting from their papery patties, Portuguese tarts, thick slices of carrot cake topped with icing. I savor each with an imaginative bite and decide my treat… then groan. I've left my wallet at home. ( for Deb M )