The coffeehouse already had a lot of patrons, Reynir couldn’t find a free table. “Do you mind if I join you?” he asked two young men. The thinner of the two only silently stared at him. “No, please take a seat” the older one responded and gave the thin one a disapproving glare. Reynir put his tea and plate on their table and seated himself. He took out his notebook and began doodling and writing a bit. He wanted something to remind him of this trip to the city, for when he returned to the farm again.
The two other men exchanged some words, but Reynir didn’t know their language. They were gesturing at a makeshift stage, where some young people were preparing their instruments. The stage was simply a corner where the tables had been removed.
The small chamber ensemble began playing a light tune. Different from the songs played on the village festivals Reynir had been to. The older of Reynir’s table neighbors winked to a girl sitting next to the stage.
She turned out to be one of three singers that stood up after the overture and presented a story about a coffee infatuated girl and her less-than-happy father. Reynir smirked often at the text and admired the singers who sang lots of ornaments. Especially the part of the girl seemed difficult at times.
After the performance and a great applause the girl came to Reynir’s table and began chatting with the other two men. Unfortunately for Reynir, she also spoke that language he didn’t understand. In a moment of silence he said: “You sang beautifully, and it was a fun story.” “Thank you. As amateur that feels good to hear”, she answered, “Onni, would you care to introduce me to your friend?” The man called Onni suddenly became very insecure. “Um, we don’t actually know each other, I just sat here, because there was no free table”, Reynir tried to help. “Oh, never mind then. I’m Tuuri, pleased to meet you.” she held out her hand, and tried to recover the situation. “Nice to meet you, I’m Reynir.”
Oh great, now that they’re talking we’re going to stay here even longer, the man next to Onni thought.
When Reynir returned to the boarding house, he was humming: “Coffee, Coffee I must ha~ave." He wouldn’t mind meeting the Hotakainens again.