Coffee Mania

I was late yet again. The opening of the new outlet of Starbucks had proved to be a life savior for the people of The Greenbrier Companies. But it had gone on to become the most crowded cafe` on Palm Street. The endless queue had been trying my patience for the last two hours. Two hours for a coffee! That’s absurd. I was about to lose my patience, not to mention my temper. When my frustration was about to blow my mind, I thought about checking my phone.

As I proceeded to open my purse, I had an uncomfortable feeling that it is unusually light. I checked my bag frantically, like a troubled child searching for his favorite toy. Fear gripped my heart and a lot of uninvited thoughts started flooding my mind. I realized that my mobile phone, as well as my wallet, was missing. I wondered whether someone stole it or did I lose it somewhere. Though it was a chilly morning, I was sweating profusely. This day couldn’t have gotten any worse.

I tried recalling where I could have misplaced the most precious things of mine. I wondered whether I had lost them somewhere on my way to the office this morning or whether I lost them yesterday itself. A series of possible outcomes started running through my mind. It’s extraordinary how our mind can concoct incredulous anticipation during such frustrating situations.

To top it all, I was out of money. Since my wallet and consequently my ATM card was missing, I couldn’t access my account and withdraw money. Desperately contemplating my next step, I started pacing around in the cafe`. I wondered whether I should first inform the police or just retrace my steps and look for my belongings. I wasn’t arriving at any solution and I presumed this was due to the fact that I was currently gripped by fear.

I was heading out of the cafe` when I saw Andrew, my colleague standing outside. Seeing me in my distressed state, he walked to me and asked generously, “Everything alright Christie? You seem pretty worried”.

Relieved to see him, I narrated the entire situation, which should never happen again.

“Did you check with the metro station officer?”

“No, I didn’t. It seems to be the right place to start though”.

“May I offer you a ride”?

“Thank you”.

I didn’t notice his brand new, sizzling red Mercedes until later that day.  I hopped into the car and we started for our first search. My thoughts were driving me as crazy as the cold wind whipping across my face. After almost 40 minutes, we reached the metro station.

I practically jumped out of the car and raced up to the officer. With a lot of trepidation, I asked whether he had come across a wallet and a mobile phone that he might have found in the morning. The officer rummaged through the boxes of abandoned valuables that have been recovered and after what seemed to be the longest time of my life, the officer returned with my wallet and the mobile phone. 

“This wallet and mobile phone seem to match the description. Are these yours, Miss?” asked the officer showing me my valuables.

“Yes, Yes! They are! Thank you, Officer.” I was too overwhelmed to speak.

I hurried outside towards the parking area looking for Andrew. The relief on my face must have been evident of my current achievement.

“Thank you so much Andrew for your help.”

He bowed gallantly and said, “You are most welcome.”

“There is something I forgot to mention earlier. Your car is very beautiful”.

He smiled and replied, “Thank you” and continued “It’s almost time to head back to the office. Shall we?”

I grinned and said, “Yes, but not before I grab my coffee!”

He laughed and said, “Sure. After what you have been through this morning, you deserve it.”