STB week 91: The magic coffee shop

I was on my usual route between home and work. Every day, it was the same routine. Nothing amazed me anymore until I saw a new coffee shop opening.

The name caught my attention: 'Magic Coffee Shop.' It was a very original name for a coffee shop. I'd never associated coffee with magic, so I was curious to see the place.

Whenever I passed by, I would look at that sign with lights all around it, like a Broadway-type thing. The black and red combined in a sensory mysticism, attracting looks. No doubt it was a sign made to excite the eye.

Every day I felt more curious about the place workers were remodeling. After a few weeks, the magical coffee shop had its grand opening, and as expected, I was one of the first to arrive.

I couldn't help but feel happy when I arrived at the place after waiting so long. At the door, a man dressed as a magician welcomed customers, took off his top hat, and gave each of us a coupon to redeem for a free coffee.

Upon entering, I noticed that the ambiance was accompanied by dim lighting, giving the place a touch of mysticism. The chairs were made of wood with a red siphon, the tables had a red silk tablecloth, and in the middle of each, one a crystal ball, and the lamps were decorated with a sorcerer's hat, which seemed very original to me. It certainly attracted a lot of attention.

The waiters dressed like apprentice magicians and their pointer was a magic wand. There was a very special section that contained books related to magic. The shelves had a lot of reading that looked interesting and at the back. I looked at a stage with reflector lights. There were all kinds of items used by magicians. A box to cut people in half, hats, playing cards, white doves, and even a tank full of water, sure to perform acts of escapism.

Everywhere I looked, the atmosphere was mystical, mysterious, and breathtaking, but there was one thing I hadn't tried yet. The coffee. Many people were lining up to claim their free coffee. I had to be patient to wait my turn. I could see people with their Espressos, Cappuccinos, and American, among others. Each cup had a shiny powder. It looked like magic dust.

I thought it was a trick or illusion, but people seemed happy trying the coffee. Finally, I got to the barista. The ancient wizard dressed in white, with a long beard and a pointed hat of the same color. His look was gentle. He reminded me of Gandalf. Haha.

He asked me for the voucher, and I handed it to him. My curiosity to try that coffee had me on tenterhooks, but suddenly, the barista looked closely at the ticket. I started to worry about what was happening. He looked at me again and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to inform you that we have our 100th customer.”

Everyone started screaming and clapping. I turned red and couldn't believe what was happening. I could only mumble. “Thank you.”

Took up the floor again, the barista. “For being our 100th customer, you have earned the right to make three coffee wishes.”

I couldn't believe it. I had three wishes that didn't seem very credible. My skepticism was very evident, and I just couldn't. Then the barista said, “If you believe in magic, anything can happen.” And at that instant, out of nowhere, a cup of Cappuccino appeared.

My eyes wanted to pop out of their sockets, and with his hand, he rose stardust. “It can't be.”

“You see it with your own eyes. Now tell me your three wishes.”

For a moment, I thought and said, “I always wish to have coffee at home. I wish that throughout my life, I could continue to enjoy coffee no matter what. Lastly...” I paused and saw all those happy people with their eyes shining, tasting their coffee. “I wish everyone could experience this beautiful feeling coffee gives us when we drink it.”

“Done!”