It was almost eleven o'clock when we were still sitting around a long table in a coffee shop in the Mancang area of Samudera District. The cups of black coffee and sanger were half-empty, some already reduced to dregs. A thin layer of cigarette smoke swirled in the air, mingling with the rich, warm aroma of the coffee.
In Aceh, a coffee shop isn't just a place to drink. It's a space for discussion, stories, laughter, and even problem-solving. That night was no different. We sat facing each other, some leaning back relaxedly, others listening intently. Some spoke quietly, others interjected with jokes. Everyone was united in an atmosphere of camaraderie.
Our conversation bounced around. From village stories, developments, planned activities, to stories from the past that were always interesting to recount. Sometimes our voices would rise with excitement, then subside with laughter. There was no distance between us—young and old sat side by side, respecting each other.
I looked around. Simple tables, plastic chairs, rows of glass cups, and familiar faces. It felt warm, not just from the coffee, but from being together. Amidst our busy lives, nights like this serve as a way to strengthen relationships.
Time flies by unnoticed. The clock strikes 10:46 PM, but the conversation hasn't ended yet. Perhaps this is the joy of drinking coffee in our hometown—it's not about how expensive the drink is, but about who's sitting with us.
That night, I returned home with a light heart. Sometimes simple happiness requires just a cup of coffee and a few loyal friends to listen and share stories.
Note: I am writing in Indonesian and using the help of Google translate to translate into English.
All gifts from this post will be burned and made into strength to support other hivers posts.
| Photographer | Smartphone used | Location |
|---|---|---|
| @mahyul94 | Redme 9C | Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam |