Afternoon tea adaptation

Despite the summery afternoon shining through the law library windows, the building itself is chilly. The tips of my fingers are slowly going numb and my freckled, sun-kissed arms are covered in goose bumps. Blasted air-conditioning. Not nearly warm enough to require such a cool indoor temperature. After my umpteenth cold shiver, I decide it's time for a short break. A chance for sunlight; a small reward for being particularly clever regarding a slightly difficult article request.

Tea, I think. An afternoon tea. It's just about tea time anyway.

I imagine my sleepy London, just as she reaches the conclusion to another day. I remember the many cups of tea shared with Suzan and Esme; the high tea shared with study abroad girls; the more recent tea party shared with friends. I miss London.

I walk outside sunglasses on. The UW, resplendently dressed in sunshine and warmth, greets me like an old friend. Sorry we're not London, the trees sigh with a gentle breeze. But here's a summer day, full of heat and light, the casual hum of student life, the freeway's distant murmur. Space Needle in the distance, the faint touch of ocean air. Look there she is! Rainier!

For there she was. The mountain is relaxed and hazy on the horizon--framed by Suzzallo and Gerberding Hall--embellished by Drumheller Fountain. A small patch of clouds cover the very peak of the majestic mountain. Feeling a little shy today, dear? I ask silently. Maybe it should worry me, this talking to mountains (and bodies of water and books in my library). But I am not concerned.

I pause a moment, lingering in the presence of my darling Rainier, before making my way toward Suzzallo Library. In the library cafe, I can purchase a grande tea: paper cup, Numi Organic Earl Grey tea bag, splash of milk Suzan takes a little more than a splash--Esme takes tea with her milk, pinch of sugar. The compostable cup gives the hot beverage a funny taste. I decide that tea tastes better in England.

The tea bag steeps--strong tea to get me through the work day--and I make my way back to Gates Hall. Break time almost over. Warm drink in hand, my fingers regain feeling. I soak in the sun, the smell of heat, the slight breeze, Rainier. Summer in Seattle is a perfect thing.

And though my heart aches for London, the little beating globe finds contentment here, in Seattle. You cannot always be torn in two. My two cities.

Yes, Seattle this will do.
For now.