My warm breath steams up my glasses a little bit. I have my cold pillow resting on my chin. I’m still under the covers. I started my morning with a book, Hot Chocolate on Thursday, a cosy tale that took me to Japan and Sydney all without my leaving my bedroom. I love reading in the mornings, although of late I have been a bit too busy to read so early. Saturday mornings, however, are always there for reading.

The prospect of staying warm under the covers for a while longer was enticing – and the cold of the pillow was comforting, too – but the light of morning encouraged me to get up. I had no bread in the house so I went out for breakfast, another one of those things I haven’t done for a few Saturdays now. Going out to a coffee shop and getting breakfast is one of my favourite things to do. Reading there makes the experience even more special.

I packed my book and set off to go and get some breakfast and coffee.

On my journey I noticed the changes in the trees and the bushes. The winter branches were budding. The green of each bud, collectively, brought new life to the trees and bushes. Spring is here. The same white blossom tree that caught my eye a week or two ago is still in full blossom. I know, soon, too, the tree will be green.

After placing my order at the coffee shop, I sat down and unpacked my book. I have run out of bookmarks and so the inside of the dust jacket serves as my bookmark. Soon I will make my way through all the mangas and books I have started. This morning was my way of making a bit of progress to that end. Decaf flat white for James. I went and got my coffee then settled in with my book.

Moments later, I heard a voice I hadn’t heard for a while. The song on the radio. It took me only a few moments to realise which song it was: Brightside by the Lumineers. I started singing along to myself. I remember when the album came out. I haven’t listened to that song in so long. Just as it had been a while since I had been in a cafe, enjoying a coffee and reading a book that brings me joy.