It’s been a slow start to the day but she doesn’t mind that at all. Usually it's a case of getting all the regulars’ breakfasts out of the way while dealing with a handful of walk-ins, but today is bereft of either party. Just an old man she recognises but doesn’t know the name of staring out the window and letting his coffee go cold. Eventually she is intrigued enough to look out too.
Past the pillars of the clouds is a red scar in the morning sky. She stares, not sure what to make of it.
‘Been waiting a long time for this,’ says the old man behind her.
She turns. ‘What?’
‘The beginning.’
Paddy Dobson
11th July 2023