Passion In the Air

A sunshiny Saturday before the storm — perfect weather to walk around the neighborhood to the nearest Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to add words to my latest novel project.

I never been to one because Starbucks is across the street and its goodies are practically free with the numerous gift cards I get. But I decided to try another cafe chain after seeing it highlighted on Undercover Boss earlier in the week. 

As soon as I enter the cafe, women began pouring into line with colorful signs folded under their arms from the Women’s March downtown, searching for hot beverages upon stomping in the winds for various civil rights. I bought an oolong tea, which even with the added honey, tasted bitter. I sat in the back corner next to the full-length window, where even more women flooded into the square, fresh off the subway, still equipped with signs. Some women accompanied by girls, boys, or men. 

The hustle and bustle felt effervescent. Though a journalist who can’t participate in protests of any kind, I found the marchers’ bright hope radiating through the air outside and inside the cafe. I wrote and wrote for two hours, spilling 2,800 words onto digital paper — a high for the year so far.