The Canadian countryside couldn’t be any more beautiful. A blue fall sky creeps through the countless pines that dominate the land. A blissful cool breeze passes through millions of branches, creating a symphony that only nature is capable of. Located amongst the vastness of this untouched landscape lies a modest diner; for lone travelers in search of solace and comfort. Within are only a handful of folks who stop in regularly, along with the elderly couple that run the place. The bell above the main entrance jingles as another stranger makes their first visit, a young woman.
A man who’s seen many seasons sitting close to the door, bids her a good morning. She returns to him a polite good morning with a modest smile, and then continues on and finds herself a seat at an open table. The morning sunlight warms her through the window that lies next to her table. She looks through it and admires the forest that stretches on and on. Her thoughts dwell on someone she loves dearly and misses indefinitely. She continues looking outward while the husband of the couple who own the diner approaches her.
“Ma’am? May I get you something? Some coffee?”
She turns to him and kindly accepts his offer, “Yes, thank you.”
“You got it, be right back,” says the old man who enthusiastically enters the kitchen.
Impressed by the elderly man’s work ethic, the young woman curiously observes the kitchen doors that lie behind the bar; anticipating the gentleman to burst out with her cup of coffee. Her curiosity is rewarded as he swings open the doors with not only some coffee, but some toast and jam as well.
“Here you go, my wife baked the bread this morning and I would hate to see any of it go to waste,” He leans in closer to her before whispering, “And I made the jam so its really good, enjoy!”
This display of generosity and kindness fills the young woman with joy and she smiles genuinely as her server returns to work. After taking a sip of coffee that seems to be just perfect, she spreads some of the jam on the butter soaked toast and takes a bite. The initial crunch satisfies her ears, while the taste of freshly baked bread puts her mind to rest. No other morning breakfast compares, everything is just right. Its fall, the day is beautiful, the diner is filled with kind and loving people, and the food soothes her soul.
She finishes her small meal and before she can get up to pay, the old man who served her takes a seat across from her, “How was it?” He asks with a smile.
“It was the best I ever had, thank you.”
“I appreciate that, and you’re welcome. If you don’t mind me asking, what brings you out here?”
She briefly looks down to give herself some privacy to think up an answer, “I, I’m here visiting my father.”
The old man’s eyes light up with wonder, “Oh? Does he live close by? Do I know him? Wait, are you Bill’s daughter?”
She smiles and answers quietly, “Uh no, no to both actually. He passed away some time ago.”
The wonder in the old man’s eyes fades, and the purest form of sympathy blankets his face, “Oh, my condolences. I’m sure he must’ve been a great father to have raised such a fine young woman.”
She answers with absolute truth and sincerity, “He was, I’ll never forget him.”
He nods at her emotionally filled response and then rises from his chair, “Well I won’t keep you any longer. Be safe out there and have a blessed day, and stop by again sometime.”
She hands him the payment owed with a generous tip, “I will, this is a great place you have.”
She reaches out to shake his hand before leaving. He shares his name with her as he grasps her hand, “Richard.”
“Laura.”