Alexandra Konstanti

Hejsaaa, and welcome to our store! What would you cherish to drink today? How can I be of utmost help to you?

The energy hit me instantly. I didn’t know how to feel or what to think. This excessive politeness and almost theatrical talkativeness caught me off guard, leaving me suspended in a mix of laughter, mild mockery, and a tinge of anxiety. My emotions floated somewhere between my chest, throat, and brain, uncertain whether they would make an appearance or in what order. Finally, I placed my order, a smile forming on my lips, followed by a tiny, involuntary giggle.

“Nice choice! However, may I inform you that we have three delightful variations of this coffee—the most certainly classic one, the dark chocolate, and the caramel. What would be your preference for today?”

I blinked, confused. Of course, I had never ordered this particular coffee before in my life—until this very moment—but it was also his rapid, almost whimsical way of speaking that left me momentarily bewildered. My expression must have screamed: I don’t understand. I don’t know!

“I can certainly explain! The classic is served simply with sugar, while the others contain syrups that—”

“The classic one, please,” I interjected, feeling that this needed to end (and also having zero appetite for caramel or chocolate today).

“The classic it is! And what is your name, please? Very pleased to meet you, Alexandra. Sam, here!”

And just like that, my nervous system exhaled. All the previous emotions stepped aside, making room for a genuine smile.

“Nice to meet you, Sam.”

He was a very tall boy—seventeen or eighteen, I assumed—with curly, messy hair. A bit of a weirdo, I’d say, but an oddly captivating human being. He exuded an effortless ease, as if nothing could trouble him. He simply loved serving coffee, and coffee-related information. He was there to remind the world of simplicity.

“If it happens that you are a student, Alexandra, you could also get a discount.”

“Unfortunately, I’m not,” I replied, my mind instantly rewinding to earlier that morning, when I had been desperately trying to apply for part-time jobs—only to find that every single one was for students. And just like that, frustration reappeared, right here in this café, with Sam.

“Oh, that’s perfectly okay! It just means you’re a student of life. Every day, you learn and experience something new!”

And that was my interaction with Sam. Leaving me with the gist of the day.

Frustration will always find you—if you look at it from its side. But on the other side, there’s always the opportunity hidden in scarcity.

The coffee was delicious.