Double take

Taking five in the hospital coffee shop. Staring into my cappuccino, contemplating the frightfully ridiculous traffic home. Wondering where my dad went. He left behind a bony figure upstairs, under the starched intensive care unit sheet. I drop my head into my palms, breathing out. I become aware of a dark, though friendly presence to my right. It radiates a strong male energy.

Not sure about what to expect, I decide to move only my downcast eyes. They meet a pair of brown Crocs peeping out from under a black hem. A hem belonging to the bottom part of a skirt, it seems. The Crocs are rather large, so my head disobeys my being well-mannered. I look up to take in the rest of the male presence in black skirts. It is indeed a man. Dressed in a heavy, elegant cowl.

Momentarily, the instinct to jump is strong. I do, however, manage to sit tight. Surely the Grim Reaper won't send out such humane vibes? A young voice, as elegant as the delightful flowing darkness of his cowl, sounds over me. He of the cowl addresses the waitron: ''Cappuccino to go, Daphne, on the double, please. On my way to deliver Last Rites."

Daphne seems unfazed and does as she was asked. Unlike me, this is certainly not a first for her. One man's bowing out is another's cup of coffee, I guess.

14/03/2017

Image: M Meyer, Kakamas, Northern Cape, 25/01/2023