That morning, I stopped at a simple roadside stall. The building was made of faded wooden planks, but that's where the warmth lay. Through a small gap in the window, the aroma of freshly brewed black coffee slowly greeted my nose, inviting a sense of calm amidst the busy day. Behind a white counter filled with glasses, bottles, and small pots, a man smiled kindly as he prepared a customer's order. His smile was genuine, as if to convey that everyone who came to this stall was a special guest.
In the corner of the counter, a row of red-striped soda bottles glistened in the morning light. The sound of spoons clattering against glasses created a unique rhythm found only in stalls like this. There was no modern music, no air conditioning, just the sound of casual conversation among customers and the gurgling of boiling water from the pot. Everything felt warm, simple, and real.
This stall wasn't just a place to drink coffee or eat instant noodles. It's a place where stories meet, a haven for workers, farmers, drivers, and even students simply seeking a relaxing atmosphere before continuing their routines. Here, time seems to slow down. Every sip of coffee has meaning, every greeting a familiarity that money can't buy.
I watched the man return, his hands deftly lifting the kettle, pouring hot water, then adding sugar and ground coffee in measurements he'd memorized by heart. From his face, it was clear that this work wasn't just routine, but a part of his life the way he interacted with the world and the people around him.
This small shop might never appear on social media as a hot spot, but here the authenticity of life was palpable. Amidst the aroma of coffee, honest smiles, and the sound of the pot clinking, I felt like I was sipping on memories of the past warm, simple, yet deeply ingrained in my heart.
| Photographer | Smartphone used | Location |
|---|---|---|
 @gunting | Realme C53 | Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam |
@gunting