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Monday, 16 May 2022

My Way by Xavier Zapater, chai latte

 

Sarah regularly went to the Staunton Cafe. An old business in the neighborhood, one of those of a lifetime. She was an independent woman who worked for various companies as a digital marketing freelancer. Although she didn't have time to spend all the money she earned, she seemed content with her busy life. She always used to have the same breakfast: carrot cake and chai latte, her favorite drink. Sarah, as usual, came to the cafeteria and sat down. The waiter, who already knew her served her breakfast.

- Hello Sarah.

- Hi Mike, thanks.

Sarah put on her headphones to block out the noise. The music helped her focus. She organized his entire life around his job, but that day, something changed. As she savored his breakfast, she read a phrase on the wall: "From a certain point onward, there is no longer any turning back. That is the point that must be reached". The quote caught his attention. She stopped the audio player and asked Mike.

- Mike, excuse me, who said the phrase on the wall?

- It's from Franz Kafka, the writer of The Metamorphosis.

- Oh! I didn't know that quote. It makes you think. What do you think it means?

- I'm not sure. Perhaps, it has to do with the idea of making decisions and what they imply.

- Yes, I think so. I like your point of view. Thanks, Mike.

- You're welcome.

Mike went back to the bar to attend to other customers. Sarah continued to check the email. She still had a long list of emails to answer. She hadn't slept well that night and was having trouble concentrating more than usual. It was scattered. So she started checking his social networks. In them, she only found selfies and photos of food or travels. The typical thing that people usually upload to the network. She felt even worse, she didn't understand what was happening to her, but her head kept questioning if she was doing something interesting with her life. So, she called Mike back.

- Mike, excuse me, are you busy?

- No, not now. How can I help you?

- I keep thinking about what we talked about before.

- Oh! I see what made you think of that phrase.

- Yeah, well, it's not just that. I've been thinking about leaving everything for a long time, but I don't dare take the step. I'm too used to my work routine.

- So, what prevents you from taking that step?

- I guess it's the fear of losing what I have.

- Why don't you take a vacation?

- Yes, I have also valued that, but I think to change my lifestyle. I spend most of my time working as if I didn't know how to do anything else, and I barely have a social life. Also, I don't have any hobbies either.

- I have an idea, you could go to Spain to do the Camino de Santiago. There you will have time to find yourself.

- Oh! Sounds good. I think it's a great idea.

- If you'll excuse me. I'm going to the checkout counter.

- Sure, thank you very much for listening to me, Mike.

- You're welcome, Sarah.

Sarah closed all the browser windows and searching information about the Camino de Santiago. Minutes later, she was buying a plane ticket to Barcelona. She closed the computer, walked over to the checkout counter, and handed Mike the money.

- Thanks for coming, Sarah.

- You're welcome, Mike. Thank you for the advice. I'm going to do the Camino de Santiago.

- Oh! Yes? All right. It'll be great. When you get back, tell me how everything went.

- Of course.

- Nice ride, Sarah.

- Thanks, Mike. See you soon.

About the author

Xavier has been working in the film industry for many companies as a Production Assistant. Likewise, he enjoys Cycling Touring. He rode across Iceland and the North of Spain. He has lived for one year and a half in Melbourne, Australia working as a Kitchen Porter.

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