Sia

SEVEN MONTHS AGO

I exited my room, holding a little backpack, and headed straight into the kitchen. On the table was a small dish with a mesh cover. I washed my hands, removed the mesh, and began eating the two sandwiches that were still warm. My sister cooked the bread, and the vegetables that went inside were picked fresh in the morning from the terraces' orchard. I opened the fridge door, grabbed a water bottle, and drank some water. After finishing my light breakfast, I washed the dishes in the sink, as well as the plate I ate from.

I kept the tiny lunch box in my bag. "Bye, Papa!" I said my goodbyes to my father, who was sitting in a wheelchair in front of the television. Before I left the house, he gave me a warm smile. It was still early in the morning, around seven o'clock. The fresh breeze brushed my face as I walked down the street, prompting me to rub my nose. I headed to a coffee shop at the intersection.

"Ting!" As I opened the door, a bell chimed, alerting the staff that a customer had entered. The tables were mostly empty because it was still early in the morning, except for the one near the glass window, where a woman sat, working on her laptop. I took a seat at the middle table and kept my bag on the chair beside me.

A single woman was doing all the work here. "What do you want to order, madam?" She approached my table and inquired, her hands crossed.

"Nothing much, just a few minutes of your time, sis."

"Sia, what are you doing here? Isn't it your first day of college? Are you trying to be late on the first day? " She had a worried expression on her face as she lashed out angrily at me.

"And you're not even coming to see off your sister on her first day of college..." I made a cute face that gets a 100 out of 100.

"You know, that's not possible. I'm swamped with work. After my morning shift, I also have to go to Maverick's mansion. "

"I know, sis, I was just teasing you a little. I just wanted to say hello before I go. "

"You do realise you'll be back by evening, right?"

"I know, but it's still nice to see your face before starting new things. It sort of gives me the courage to move forward. "

"Isn't this little girl growing up? Dad would be proud of you." There was a tinge of envy in there. Why wouldn't she? She was the top student in law school but had to drop out because of family issues. But now she goes through her days with a tired face and a warm smile. I'm the one who should be envious of her.

"Since you're already here, how about a cup of a special coffee from your sister?" She rolled her shirt up to her elbows.

"Give it your best and please your little sister."

"Who do you think prepares meals at home? Give me a minute and I'll wipe that smug look off your face. " She was determined.

She measured the water-to-coffee ratio and ground the coffee beans. She then brought the water to a boil for one minute. While doing so, she poured water via a funnel into a paper filter to rinse it. She then positioned the filter over a glass and placed the measured coffee powder on top. She then carefully began pouring water from the mug. After the first pour, the coffee grounds bubbled and foamed. She then resumed the spiral motion of pouring water.

She filtered everything and poured it into a cup after that. "Voila! Here you go. "

The aroma from the cup was incredible, and as I took my first sip, my tongue yearned for more. Everything was perfect.

"How do you brew these godly beverages, Emma?" With a straight face, I inquired. It piqued my interest.

I am good at most things, and I feel that if I work hard enough, I can become exceptional at them as well. However, anything involving food usually becomes a disaster. Emma was the same way a year ago, but now... I don't see that girl.

"With a little practice, you can do it too. Learn from your big sis."

"I am trying to," I muttered quietly.

"Now finish it and get to college. It will take some time to get there. You also need to make new friends. " I stood up to leave the shop after finishing my coffee. While leaving the shop, I noticed that the woman I had seen before was still there. I assumed that was her usual resting spot and headed to the college.