Smoke, Coffee, and Conversations

There is so much to be learned! Smoke, coffee, and conversations punctuate laughter rising above whispers. I step aside, observing a man in the corner listening to women surrounding him like he actually pays attention. Sitting in one place long enough causes my face to overheat. The tick-tock of my cold watch continually moves me to unfamiliar spots. Women here work hard and long at creating welcome. As I try to feel my surroundings, putting my best foot forward, the man in the corner puts out his hands in a gesture of kindness and motions to me to come.