I met my younger self for coffee at noon today.
She was an hour early,
Eyes filled with so much hope, regardless of life's uncertainty.
I was right on time,
Feeling bad for not showing up so much.
She took a train,
Kept texting me not to cancel at the last minute.
I'm not sure how to respond,
But I booked a Grab car instead.
She wore a tight shirt and a long skirt,
It was funny because I did too.
I guess some things never change.
She seems so excited to order,
I told her she can get anything she wants.
She asked for a Pure Double Chocolate,
And as the barista asked for the name,
"Please put Maui on it!" She exclaimed.
After her, I ordered a Chai Tea Latte,
"The name's Anne. Thanks," I responded calmly.
We went to sit at our table.
She started telling me stories about what she wanted to be.
She went on and on about how exciting it is to be a teacher,
And that English is probably going to be her major.
She's quirky and so creative.
I definitely think she'll become a great one.
Her stories lasted for an hour or so.
Until the questions turn to me.
I told her the future is a little different,
That she's looking at an Accounting Major.
She was flabbergasted.
She was disgusted.
There was a burst of emotion in her eyes.
I knew because I know what it's like.
To be given news you'd never thought would happen.
It was something she did not expect anyway.
I also knew she wouldn't like that.
To calm her down, I smiled at her and said,
"Don't worry, at least you get a new bag every day!"
She tried to comfort me like she always does.
She tried to smile despite the fact that she was not happy with that.
With a serious look on me,
She asked if I had lost the spark,
I don't quite know how to answer.
Because maybe I did.
(Inspired by Jennae Cecelia's poem; from her book, Deep in My Feels)