…as Juniper approached the café, the chatter of patrons and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her, providing a momentary respite from her wandering thoughts. She joined the line of customers waiting to place their orders, her mind still grappling with the introspective musings that had taken hold of her.

Ever since I can remember, I have always strived to do what I loved, she thought to herself.

You don’t hear it out loud, but I think that’s what everyone wants…

She glanced at the faces around her… the woman ahead checking her device, the man behind adjusting his scarf… each lost in their own world, their expressions hinting at the dreams they carried within. To do what they love, she thought. But most people never say it. They just stand in line, order their coffee, and go back to jobs that drain them. The entropy of the world basically yelling at them to turn their backs on it. A twinge of sadness tugged at her heart.