My Experience With an Angry Person in a Coffee Shop

I Just Wanted a Donut

After a twelve-hour night shift, I typically visit the coffee shop across from my condo for a sugary treat. This habit only developed since COVID-19 started and to be quite frank, I do not care that it is unhealthy. Why? Because I don’t have the mental capacity to.

With the drive-thru line busy at 7:15 AM, I always wander inside. Real human interaction is better than chatting through a speaker, anyways! As I perused the tasty rings of sweetness, I patiently waited for the busy Timmies staff to call upon the person who entered before me.

When they do, I am suddenly shaken from my daydream about a Canadian Maple donut and was abruptly asked, “Where do I even go?”

Ah, a newcomer to this particular coffee establishment. I politely direct him to the opening toward the till. Unfortunately, their experience continues on a downward spiral, as the lovely employee struggled to hear the order.

The clear barriers and muffling masks are a tough match against those with English as their second language. As a mental health nurse, imagine me asking someone to repeat their turmoil after not understanding a word. This human just wanted a box of muffins, but struggled to communicate a simple order.