It’s a sunny day at Great Dane. Beams of light peek through the buildings that shade the patio, creating sunny patches where students gather, laptops out and coffees in hand.
The faint sound of a milk steamer can be heard through the blanket of chatter as the never-ending line continues to grow. Baristas sweat in the hot kitchen while espresso shots go cold on the counter. Looking around, you’ll notice an array of people: students hard at work on their computers, headphones in, eyes locked on the screen; friends catching up after a day of classes, giggles being passed around as they snack on bread and cookies; professors taking in the day, eyes closed, relaxed on the couch.
One specific pair of voices can be heard more clearly over the other chatter. The girl wears a plaid skirt with a matching jacket slung over the chair behind her, the sun now acting as a barrier to the cold. Her long hair tickles her back as she laughs, the ensuing shine almost blinding. Her counterpart blends in more with the people around them. He wears a purple shirt and jeans, his white shoes tapping against the concrete as they talk.
They both sip on almost-empty drinks, the ice slowly turning into beads of water that run down the outside of their cups and onto their shoes. Forgotten scones go stale in the sun as they chat, only interested in what the other has to say.
The girl recalls a terrible first date at The Roxy on a Saturday. The guy she met up with was wearing purple pants, and besides, “Who takes someone to The Roxy for a first date?”
Laughter ensues as they reminisce about the experience and she emphasizes gratitude for her now-boyfriend who wouldn’t dream of wearing such an outlandish colour. Weekend plans with friends are shared over open laptops with blinking cursors; assignments remain empty as more important conversations take place.
Hearing their conversation is like seeing yourself in the third-person. Past romantic encounters, memories of a night out and plans for the next are dominant, even if that means having to put off your assignment for another day. Remembering stories about each other is a love language — especially when you experience it on the Great Dane patio.
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