I’m not big on celebrations, especially birthdays. Let me correct that. I’m not big on loud, distracting parties when I want to celebrate. It is counterintuitive, and I’m sure I’ve missed a lot of fun.

It has been challenging to craft a story for this week. I tried. I could not get myself back to business-as-usual. After the life-changing explosion of Aug 4, my last post was one of defiance, hope, and love. This morning, I believe it even more.

6:09 pm. Starbucks (Mtayleb) is 9 km bird’s fly from ground zero. The explosion shook people on the terrace and blew the doors open. One week later sitting at the same table…

She’s the canine who occasionally comes to Starbucks with her coffee-drinker buddy. She lays on the terrace close by the entrance of the store and loves to greet people. She grew on the regulars.

Taking my temperature with a contactless device, Rony cleared me to enter. They made sure my table was freshly sanitized. No one claimed any of the other two seats during. If you’re there for pick up, you’d order outside the store, someone would run in, make your drink, and hand it to you.

Hey Starbucks! I don’t miss the coffee as much as I miss my friends, the vibe, and your baristas. Sorry.