BY JULIE NGADAN & MEKAR
The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee and warm pastries floods M’s senses as he pushes open the café door. The place is livelier than usual, with a steady stream of patrons coming and going, and almost every seat occupied.
Luckily, his favourite nook at the far end remains empty. With a quiet sense of relief, he secures his spot and takes a deep breath, enjoying the cool comfort of the air-conditioned space.
Today, he is wearing a new perfume. The warm amber notes deepen with his body heat, the scent growing richer as he moves. The salesperson at the decant shop in TT3 Commercial Centre had recommended D&G The One for Men EDP Intense, claiming it would “boost confidence.”
He likes it — the fresh and aromatic blend of neroli, cardamom, cypress, and clary sage soothes his nerves, while the masculine leather base feels effortlessly refined. The soft, cashmeran heart note adds a velvety smoothness.
M secretly hopes the fragrance will work its magic today. He needs to finish his CV with confidence, ensuring that no trace of self-doubt seeps into his job application.
Before powering up his laptop, he places an order at the café’s till via his smartphone. Moments later, a waitress approaches, setting his drink neatly by the small jasmine bouquet at the centre of his table.
He adores the affogato they serve here — bold espresso poured over a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, laced with bourbon syrup for an extra oomph. The aroma is intoxicating — delicious, mysterious, and almost seductive. If it could be bottled as a fragrance, he’d wear it.
And in that moment, the scent stirs a memory. It reminds him of someone from university — Lisa.
She had been captivating in every sense. A valedictorian, brilliant and accomplished, but always kind to everyone. Last he heard, she was working for a prestigious firm in the city.
“How fitting. Her signature perfume embodied her perfectly — YSL Black Opium. I remember that scent,” M says with a smile.
After a nostalgic walk down memory lane, he finally takes a sip of his affogato and begins writing his CV. He sets out all his academic achievements from his Architecture studies. His momentum builds quickly, and before he knows it, his CV is taking shape beautifully.
It’s fascinating how the smallest details around him help set the mood — creating the perfect atmosphere for what lies ahead. His mind is clear. His body relaxed. His fingers move with purpose.
“Nothing can stop me now,” he murmurs as he reaches the references section of his CV.
Then — the café doorbell chimes. The sharp clack of stilettos on concrete slices through the gentle hum of conversation.
M’s affogato is long finished, yet suddenly, the rich scent of vanilla and coffee lingers in the air. He looks up, half-expecting to see the barista crafting a special brew — but instead, his gaze locks onto a familiar pair of eyes.
Warm. Confident. Sparkling. “Hey there, M! Surprised to see you here.” The elegant woman standing across from him smiles.
For a moment, he is too stunned to speak.
“Lisa…” he whispers.
(To be continued… P/S: MEKAR articles land monthly — start or end!)
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