He felt a little guilty drinking the coffee. His last couple of dollars, and he used them to help Starbucks spread the empire. Funded the building of one across the street from this one, perhaps. No, he knew they were actually closing stores. But the guilt did not subside, since it was more guilt that he had spent money on himself.

The slightly bitter cup always gave comfort, though. When he felt down, he had some coffee and things seemed flufflier. Maybe he thought if he drank enough this troubles would turn into clouds and mosey by with the breeze. Life would be much simpler were that true, he though taking another gulp. But no, it’s not and life’s more complicated than that.

He decided there wasn’t enough sugar in this cup to make them go away. Not enough in the world.