A woman browses a website for shoes, the man she’s with sits in the neighboring chair, reading. Both are sipping mixed coffee drinks of their choice, enjoying the relaxed ambiance of the coffee shop, I’m sure. Ah yes, an exquisite bagel has just been properly placed at their table.

Not five minutes ago a barista asked whether they are enjoying their day, inquiring after they’re baby, who is absent. With an obvious tone of relief, they respond that they willingly handed him over to the babysitter, who comes three times a week. The barista assures the couple this break is much-needed, of course. All of them end the conversation with smiles while I sit in their ripple, a pit in my stomach.

Maybe they’re really very loving. Maybe that baby feels loved. Maybe I shouldn’t eavesdrop.

But in this excerpt of time, when my perspective meets their lives, what I know is that a child deserves more than obligatory care. And human beings, especially those who cannot care for themselves, deserve the respect and love of we who can give it.

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  1. whistlininthedark posted this