A cafe in Ennis

15/03/23
13.32 Ennis
 
The chatter of voices.
I sit at a small table tucked into a corner; the light is dim.
Four ladies sit at the table next to me animated in conversation.
“Some of the lads are going on their own.”
“Some people don’t like travel.”
A door bangs.
Trainers walking back and forth.
A waiter with a beard and ponytail, perfect eyebrows, and a serious face.
The ladies are deep in their conversation.
“She lives across the road from me….”
The grind of the coffee machine
A beep
The door slams
“Vera would ring me on Friday, the usual.”
The hiss of milk
A woman in a red jumper passes the counter, “Thanks a million, see you later.”
The man at the small table across from me who left his paint spattered hat on the table gets up to leave.
“I sent her a text one day, Margaret would you tell your husband to……..
……………………………………………..when they go back in September.”
Six artificial miniature trees line the counter shelf beside me neatly displayed in small woven baskets.
Men’s voices, out of sight
“Do you want a glass of water?”
No thanks, I’ve drunk two pints already today.”