avatarMary Papas

Summary

John, facing significant life decisions, relies on espresso to help him choose between major life options, ultimately deciding to prioritize his own needs over the demands of Melissa and Margaret.

Abstract

John is at a crossroads, needing to make crucial decisions that will significantly impact his life. These decisions include choosing between majoring in math or physics, living in Los Angeles or New York, and getting a dog or a cat. In a moment of pressure, he seeks the clarity of an espresso at a local coffee shop. As he drinks, he contemplates his romantic options between Melissa and Margaret, both of whom have given him an ultimatum. In the end, influenced by his espresso, John decides to choose neither woman, opting instead to focus on himself. This story is part of a series called "Coffee Tales," with a previous tale featuring a latte.

Opinions

  • Espresso is depicted as a decision-making aid for John, suggesting it has a special significance or clarity-inducing effect for him.
  • The narrative implies that significant life decisions should not be rushed and require careful consideration.
  • John's preference for not choosing between Melissa and Margaret, but rather

Coffee Tales: Espresso

When you have to make a big decision

Photo by Andres Vera on Unsplash

John couldn’t postpone it any longer.

He wished he had more time, but he didn’t.

Time was running out.

He entered the first coffee shop he found. He headed to the first table he saw and ordered an espresso.

Whenever he had to make a big decision, he had to drink an espresso.

Major in math or physics?

Live in Los Angeles or New York?

Get a dog or a cat?

An espresso always helped him make the right decision.

As he was sipping his espresso, John knew he had to give an answer in one hour.

Stay with Melissa or Margaret?

If it was up to him, he would keep both. He would give a piece of his heart to Melissa, and another one to Margaret, and they would all live happily ever after.

Melissa and Margaret were not into sharing though. Maybe it was because they were both only children.

They gave him an ultimatum: It was either her … or her.

Taking his last espresso sip, John made up his mind.

It wouldn’t be her … or her.

It would be HIM.

Him alone.

Like my coffee tale series? Read Coffee Tales: Latte

Short Shorts
Flash Fiction
Coffee
Short Read
Short Fiction
Recommended from ReadMedium