Not the entire store, just its cafeteria. Except it’s not a just for me. I’ve loved having my croissant with raspberry jam, my hard-boiled egg, my ham and cheese mini-sandwich, my yogurt with peach and strawberry bits, and my cappuccino. But there’s so much more …

I love the big windows looking out on the Korenmarkt square. So many people walking below, and the rhythm of the trams passing by.

I love saying hi to my regular neighbours at the next tables. They’re all French-speaking mid-to-old guys. One is constantly on his computer. I’ve never asked him what he’s doing. The other two hold court with their français friends … voices frequently rising and falling. My French is a little better than my Dutch but still I’m only picking out isolated words.

This morning my sadness passed through the window to the street below. After savouring the flavours of breakfast, I picked up my tray and began to leave. I stopped at both tables.

“À demain?” (Tomorrow?)

“Oui” came from every pair of lips.

“Moi aussi.” (Me too)

Parting will be such sweet sorrow