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THROUGH A FRACTURED EXISTENCE, TO THE RHYTHM OF ETERNITY.

IL MATTINO

Il Mattino is an Italian cafe sidled between a bookstore and a jewelry boutique in small but popular business district, just a downhill walk from the local non-denominational Christian church and residential area. The ocean is less than a ten minute drive away and within view in the distance. The area is cool even when the sun is at its apex at noon with a tinge of sea salt in the breeze.

The cafe itself is medium-sized with plenty of light let in with the large storefront windows. The decor is simple, but accented with key decor with wheat centerpieces and plants. There are some trinkets that are displayed that may look out of place, like atop the charging counter there's a sliding puzzle painted in pink, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and all shades in between.

The cafe specializes in coffee and brunch, though pastries are sourced from local Italian bakeries in downtown Little Italy.

While the establishment has two floors, the cafe takes up the ground floor. There is a yard for some reason, but that's because there are four dogs. They're kept separate from the cafe to make sure patrons are not disturbed, but people are free to go outside to pet them. Reviews have mentioned the owner lives on the second floor and the dogs' names are Harold, Olive, Vera, and Rocco.

DRINKS ✦ FOOD ✦ all sorts of pastries available

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Adolphe..... Help. ]

There are plenty of tiers to lodgings. Apartments, condos, motorhomes, townhouses, and the list goes on. The second floor of a cafe included. [ ... ] Obviously, some are easier to acquire than others. To own a house is nice.

[ But it is Pricey depending on where you live and stuff, but he isn't going to go into that. ]

... I meant it more as a dry joke.

A dry joke, but... well, it's true. It would be nice to get a house of my own someday.

[ mortgages!!! fuck these things

But Adolphe comfortably answers that question. It's just a prospect, but most of all, he doesn't think it'll ever come true. It's easier to talk about things that he thinks he'll never be able to attain. ]

It's not a bad dream... And it could be within grasp if you consider rural. [ He does want to help this dream be less of one since it's realistic. ] I don't know why, but the countryside suits you.

[ It's just... A vibe that Jacopo can't shake off. He finishes his third plate now, sipping his water after while wondering if he should share a bit more. ]

My dream when I was young was to be someone, like making a name for myself worth remembering. No specific profession in mind or anything, so it was silly.

[ Adolphe tries to think about the countryside for a bit and looks at Jacopo. ]

There's nothing silly about wanting to be remembered.

[ That's how he interprets it. ]

I can agree that the city life isn't for me sometimes, but...

... That isn't what I said. It's not that deep.

[ A little unnerved?? Why did Adolphe attack his child self like that so easily because it is actually part of it. When he was a child, he didn't know or understand it at the time.

It's a little clearer as an adult, though he doesn't have so much time to self-reflect, either. Time is finite yet he's using it to chat. ]

But?

[ ???

Adolphe looks confused at the first part, because he thought an answer like that would be obvious, and not something really deep at all.

Anyway. ]

... It's more convenient to be in the city.

[ Most people would just think he was an ambitious kid wanting to be at the top regardless of how, not that it's about being remembered which stems from you know other things.

Both statements are true, though. ]

It is, but Amazon delivery has made it easier. Not that I trust other people to pick out my produce.

[ Adolphe makes a Face at produce picking because it's true. ]

No one should be, because most people aren't qualified to even tell them apart.

[ A low whistle. ]

Qualified. [ Woah... Only people with a masters in corn can pick out corn. ] Sounds like you'd need to start up your own farm.

[ Adolphe rolls his eyes, but can't help but to half-smile anyway. ]

That sounds like too much work for me.

[ Though Adolphe gets the sense that he'd like doing it to an extent. Perhaps if the environment was different... ]

Most people don't check for anything when picking out their produce.

That's how they get moldy berries or tasteless melons, then complain like it isn't their fault.

[ This also reminds him something, ]

Actually, I'm thinking of gardening in the yard.

What are you thinking of putting in there?

[ Ah. Wait. This makes him think of something. ]

You'll have to make a fence to keep your dogs from getting in too.

Tomatoes are good for beginners and people love anything that's labeled as organic or homegrown. I read up a bit and we could do a raised bed and I know a guy who does woodwork for a hobby.

[ strokes chin.......... it's about drawing people in... getting an edge on competition. it won't be a big supply, but the returns would be pretty good. Scarcity will fake the luxury, too. ]

They avoid the roses already, but... You're right. A fence would be good measure.

I heard some dogs love digging up gardens and eating vegetables, so I think it would be a necessary measure.

[ Not that Jacopo's dogs would but... who knows... maybe Harold will be a vicious cabbage eater. ]

Why a vegetable garden though?

They can be trained not to do that... But to start, a fence.

[ Jacopo really trusted his dogs and hadn't considered it, so this is good to keep in mind. ]

A small experiment for the cafe. [ BUSINESS ] If it pans out, then it'd be convenient. The cafe could use some of the produce or the produce could be sold as is. Whatever leftovers, I can personally use. There's been a health craze lately over homegrown and organic food which I think is ridiculous, but if it benefits us then who am I to criticize sheep with deep pockets.

[ NO ONE ASKED ABOUT BUSINESS, but on the personal front... ]

I heard gardening is also calming.

I wouldn't really say it's calming, but... it gives you something to do.

[ He looks at Jacopo like. Wait a minute. ]

Don't you already have your hands full with things? And you want to start a garden?

[ Adolphe's thought gears turn and turn and turn-- ]

Chives and green onions grow quickly without much care. For the latter, you can harvest them while leaving the base and it'll regrow.

[ Unlimited green onions. ]

... I think the last time I saw the markup for green onions was almost two dollars.

I wouldn't be entertaining it if I can't find time to wedge it in.

[ But... There were a lot of papers this morning when he passed out on the floor with Rocco. Jacopo is busy and it seems like he often makes himself busier. ]

Herbs are enticing... [ Though now he's looking at Adolphe as he drops all this veggie knowledge. ] Noted.

[ Staring at him a bit, then looks over to the kitchen window. ]

The kitchen windowsill is big enough for herb planters, if you want something personal and it interests you...

[ He isn't going to drag Adolphe into business. ]

Oh. You'd let me?

[ Adolphe slightly tilts his head. ]

Though... I haven't thought about it for a long time, since I lacked funds and time to take care of anything, much less a plant. I used to help out with gardening when I was a lot younger, so my advice could be outdated.

You can always ask if there's something you'd like to add or change.

[ He will put it out there first. Jacopo may feel high maintenance as a person, but he's reasonable. Gestures with a hand wave it's not a huge deal. ]

I had considered getting some herb planters for the kitchen, anyway. [ no, he didn't. ] It can be something like a test run.

Well... alright. Which plants were you considering?

[ He thinks Jacopo has some in mind already if he was considering herb planters. ]

Basil, chives, oregano, and mint. Green onions are also versatile.

[ Improvises insanely quickly. Thankfully, he does cook sometimes. ]

Maybe three to start. You can narrow it down.

[ Jacopo is so good at this. Adolphe doesn't think anything of it. His thinking is more geared towards the menu of Jacopo's cafe as he thinks about the choices. ]

Basil, chives, and oregano.

[ Not because they're the first three, but he thinks these would be the best to grow first. ]

Those three, then.

[ May he get caught for doing things for others but masking it as for himself in the near future. It isn't a lie that he'd benefit, either way. ]

The windowsill has been looking empty for a long time.Some green will make it look nice.

[ It kind of never occurred to him. It might not have for a while if it weren't for company, actually. It can be one of the few personal touches for this copy and paste bachelor pad. ]

Are you going to rest after this? Since you're looking like a zombie.

[ Jacopo is going to start cleaning up dinner. Plates, utensils, etc... He also will start filling doggy bowls since it's about time for them to eat. ]

You could have considered succulents... those don't require much care, if at all.

[ He watches Jacopo for a while and sighs. ]

... Yeah. I might as well.

[ He forgot that he was actually tired during his conversation, but upon being reminded, all the exhaustion just hits him at once. Since he assumes Jacopo will clean up everything, Adolphe excuses himself to go do his night routine. ]

Well, they're going to be herbs now.

[ It was decided! All the dirty dinnerware and cooking ware into the sink, then the doggy dinner is set.

It has only been a couple of minutes, but he had been thinking... A lot... Debating with himself... Over this... So much in those minutes... As he stands by the front door get the dogs. He hasn't left yet because he's still thinking.

He could use the time to progress on side projects and other important matters, but he walks back into the living room space and raises his voice to be heard. ]

Adolphe! If you're not going to knock out right away—we can watch a movie or something!

[ should he wait for an answer... maybe for a minute or two? (Why is he nervous?) Then he'll go get the dogs and finish up washing the dishes. ]

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