what we take for granted

 I spent the afternoon in Santa Cruz.

I decided to get gyros for lunch. When I got to the falafel place, it looked dark and deserted.

I tried the door anyway. It opened.

I walked up to the counter. The owner appeared.

“I’m so glad you’re here! When the place was deserted, I thought you were closed. Out of business.”

He seemed amused, and a little touched. I’ve been going to that falafel place for decades, and he’s never before been friendly.

He was friendly Friday. I ordered, enjoyed the juicy gyros and the tasty baklava, appreciating the present moment.

As I was leaving, he said, “We’ll be here next time you come in.”