Rick's Cafe

Rick is a happy man. He owns a little cafe, and works every hour that he can.

It's his pride and joy. He creates delicious recipes, orders only the best coffees and teas. He spoils his customers

'It's all worth it at the end of the day' he says. The bills aren't that bad when he knows that his usual punters keep coming back, day after day.

There is an old man, Jonny, who is by far Rick's favourite.

He comes in every day, places a few coins on the bar, and orders a peppermint tea.

Come rain or shine, he is there.

He takes it back to the table at the back of the cafe and quietly sips on his beverage, with such care and dedication. Never speaks to anyone.

One day, as Rick is bringing back dirty plates and cups to the kitchen, he glances at the time and wonders.

'That's odd. It's already three o'clock, and still no sign of Jonny.'

He puts down the dirty dishes and thinks. 'Has he been in today? I would have remembered.

We close in an hour, I hope he is alright'.

He picks up the dishes and heads back to the kitchen, pausing to ask any of the regulars if they have seen Jonny today.

Rick is worried. Should he call the police? Jonny doesn't have any friends or family it seems. At least he's never mentioned any.

There's nothing that Rick can do now. He'll just have to wait for tomorrow.

The next day, Rick is tired, grumpy, too worried about his friend.

He muddles up orders, gets irritable with customers.

But just as the last customers of the day leave, the door opens. In walks Jonny, looking as happy as he's ever been.

'Hello Rick', he shouts. Rick is stunned.

'Where have you been? I didn't see you at all yesterday. I was worried sick. I nearly called the police!'

Jonny laughed. 'Really? Oh I'm sorry about that. Yesterday I was out all day at the amusement park!'

Rick looked shocked, so Jonny added.

'I guess I should have warned you. You see, I don't get to go to the amusement park that often and the opportunity was far too great to miss. I had an amazing day!'

Rick let out a great big sigh of relief. All that worrying had been for nothing.

'Well I'm glad you had a wonderful day out. You come here each day, and then one day you don't come. I started imagining the worst scenarios.

Jonny chuckled. 'I promise I'll warn you next time, so you don't have to fret. Or maybe next time the amusement park is in town you can join me.' They both chuckled.

As Rick sat down at the table with Jonny, he suddenly felt at peace.

He knew that although his cafe was his whole life, the world outside of it still existed and he shouldn't let it slip by.