Coffee Theft

Today I stole Eric's coffee. Who's Eric? Eric is the guy who stood in front of me in line at the coffee shop. When I heard him talk to the clerk, "I'd like a single espresso with a bit of hot water, please", I thought man, that's my order. “Sure", the guy said, "and what's your name?” That's how I know his name was Eric. He went on to the cashier and the clerk asked me what I wanted to have.

Earlier today I had half a chicken salad and was now craving for a strong but lofty coffee. Of course, I could've just asked for the same coffee, but for some questionable reason I didn't want to repeat the exact order that the guy in front of me had placed. Hoping that all their coffee is espresso-based I went for an americano with less water. That should work, I thought.

I told the clerk my real name, and regretted it the moment it slipped out of my mouth. How often do you get the chance to tell somebody a fake name? For them it's a policy to ask, so you have to say something, but no one really cares about the reality of your name. After they write it on a paper cup and forward it to the next person it's gone and forgotten. It just doesn't matter.

But that's not why I stole Eric's coffee. That was an honest mistake, barely to be considered theft. I was waiting in the pick-up section and the barista girl shouted: “Espresso with hot water?” I raised my hand, she handed over the cup and I walked away. I just took a seat on the second floor when I realised what happened. I looked at the cup and laughed at the capital e.