Bagels

A day at work isn’t much fun for a lot of people. Probably even the majority of people and almost definitely no one at my age. We have jobs so we can get money, so we can pay for things like movies, books, videogames, and school, certainly not for the love of the job. I was working one particular Thursday night, thinking grimly about the homework load I would have to put up with when I finally arrived home. An essay, a slideshow, and some math did not seem appealing to me at all. It actually made me want to throw up all over the place, because there could be no convenient way I could get it all done, yet I couldn’t get my mind off of it.

The clock said it was about 7:30. It was a good enough time as any to take my break, and maybe sit down for a while. I walked over to the Bean Roast, a favorite amongst the employees. I dislike coffee in almost all forms, so I decided to get the usual.

“A bagel, and a large chocolate milk,” I said to the woman behind the counter, “I believe that comes to $2.69.”

“2.69, on the dot!” she exclaimed, as she accepted my money, and went to fetch me my food. Quickly she got me my chocolate milk, and she began at the bagel just next to me. A cheese and herbs bagel, I grab one whenever they are available. She makes casual talk about working as we wait for the bagel to toast. I respond in a polite manner, just eager to get my bagel, and devour it.

“Enjoy your meal!” She said as I took my plate, and cup towards my usual table in the corner. I thanked her, and found my empty seat just beside the window. I took a bite of my bagel, and the world seemed to drift away. The melted cheese mixed with the bread and butter perfectly. It wasn’t dry, and it wasn’t soggy. It was the perfect slice of bread. I continued to eat each bit with a great amount of joy, not caring about savoring the flavor.

The same lady who served me my bagel came by to sweep under the tables. By this time I was casually sipping my milk, staring out the window. “Whoa!” She exclaimed “You really like that bagel, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.” I replied simply enough. “Yeah, it was really good...”

She continued her end-of-the-day sweeping, and I returned to looking out the window, as the sun was setting behind me. Homework wasn’t so bad.