Cafes, Couples and Me

Wild Sheep Chase Cafe🐑🐑

It was such a beautiful name. 

A name that could make one’s mind instantly conjure up images of fluffy clouds and cuddly creatures that had the free will to live however they want, wherever they want.

Ever since I read a newspaper food column about this café years ago, that place had always been at the back of my mind. 

I simply must try it.

And I did.

Alone.

If you think it’s not that big a deal, you are not a regular visitor of cafes.

At least, not regular enough.

The moment I stepped into the atmosphere of the cosy café, I realised I forgot something.

Company.

Tables were occupied by old ladies discussing about their health issues and diabetes while ordering ice cream sundaes and sugared beverages, workers boasting about their sales and spouting business jargon, and on top of those, couples.

I sat myself down at a pathetic 2-seated round table, and once the waitress realised I’m waiting for the menu instead of a…partner or whatever, she dropped her pencil as she put two menus in front of me out of habit, before taking one away at the last second, apologising profusely. 

Then she proceeded to look busy while glancing back weirdly every now and then. 

(I hate my life, I thought.)

I couldn’t help feeling sorry for myself, but there’s no turning back now. 

I grabbed the menu and ordered something that sounded like an appetizing French toast, then proceeded to lay back and drown myself in my own thoughts.

The food came and it definitely fitted the exaggerated description inside the menu. 

Soft, buttered bread with caramel sugar coated on split bananas, topped up with an array of colourful fruits.

As I was writing a blog post on my notebook and enjoying the food, two couples came in.

The first couple was in their late-twenties, dressed up in a tuxedo and an evening dress. They surveyed the café, and decided to choose a table to my left. 

I looked down at my sweater and jeans and looked away.

The second couple was probably a bit older than me, but by the look of them, they must either have had a long and understanding relationship, or they got tired of each other. They walked at least four feet apart and they never glanced at each other. 

Indeed, the only element that made me distinguish them as a couple was their matching cat sweaters with an almost-ironic announcement: “I Love You!!!” 

They spent five minutes debating where to sit before choosing the table nearest to the exit, which was to my right.

Not to sound delusional, but really, to be honest, I was not the least bothered about being clammed between two couples. 

I was my own date and today was only about treating myself to a sweet evening at a cosy café.

Still, looking at them made me lost my appetite.

Why do I need to bring all these unnecessary problems to my doorstep?

At this point, my mind was cringing so badly that my stomach began churning with unease. 

I placed down my fork and that’s when I realised they had already started digging in their food.

The couple to my right ordered the same French toast as I did, and shared it together. To my left, they ordered an expensive tiny chocolate cake and shared that piece as well.

That realisation hit me so hard that I lost my balance and spilled that free lemon water all over my table.

It’s supposed to be a dessert for two! 

And here I was eating everything on the plate all by myself!!

And I’m not complaining.

That stylish couple on my left ate slowly, having small talk and glancing at each other to have a bite first before eating. 

They were always politely refusing to eat first and when it’s someone’s turn to dig in, he/she would always cut out a tiny portion of it, leaving the more delicious bits for the other partner to savour. 

This went on for an hour and obviously, they couldn’t finish everything. They left the café, and all those delicious bits were still on the plate, untouched.

That couple that sat on my right didn’t stay long either, they were gone once the cake was done. They took a few quick selfies here and there, and were out the door in no time. 

I reckoned they were still hungry as they never hesitated to eat what was left after dividing the small cake into half for two to share.

After both the couples left, my appetite came back. 

I was taking small bites at the beginning because I wanted the dish to last, but now I was galloping everything just because I can.

Just for fun, I continued to order the mini chocolate cake that couple was eating, and ate the whole piece by myself. With pleasure.

Aside from the few calories gained (worth it), it was a great experience to try, but it’s even more liberating to try it alone.

Yes, I got plenty of side eyes from diners who must have thought this girl is a pain in the a$$ that nobody wants to dine with her. 

So be it.

(Besides, I think they’re staring in jealousy since I’m ordering and eating their food alone while they have to share with each other. Just saying. Nope, I’m not gloating! Well…maybe I am:)

I would never feel guilty or sad about eating alone again just because of weird glances and some pathetic misjudgement. 

In fact, I enjoyed this getaway so much that I promised myself to do it more often next time.

Cheers to more solo café hunting!