This story takes place at a time when cafés still encouraged patrons to linger over their coffee. See Arnie sitting in a ray of warm sunlight as the frigid winds from Canada howl outside? Notice how he studies the little bubbles tucked inside the crème of his cappuccino. He has neither a book at his side nor ear buds wedged into the hallow of each ear. As time passes, he sips his now cold coffee reluctantly . Leaves a tip at the table that is promptly scooped up by a young guy nearby. Out on the street, he hails a cab. Out steps a large older man. The two hug for what seems like forever. The Cabbie honks his horn impatiently. Yells at them: “Break it up. Break it up.”

(Photo: Nick Duch)