A Table by the Window

Mina reached the café just as the rain began. Every table was full except one by the window. An old man sat there with a book and two cups of tea.

“Is someone sitting here?” she asked. The man shook his head. “The second cup was a mistake,” he said. “But perhaps it was a good one.”

Mina smiled and sat down. Outside, people hurried past under their umbrellas. Inside, the tea was warm and nobody seemed to be in a hurry.

They talked until the rain stopped. When Mina stood up to leave, the man opened his book again. She thanked him for the tea. “Thank you for the company,” he said.