Wabi Sabi Meaning

While echoing thoughts reverberated through her mind, Serene found herself gazing at the man named Killian.

He stood across from her, embodying a depth and complexity she had not anticipated before their meeting or reading the letter he had written.

His presence was magnetic, drawing her in with an intensity that made the world around them fade into a blur.

Serene's attention was wholly absorbed by his eyes, which held a curious, almost probing look.

The air between them was charged with unspoken words and a palpable tension that felt more than romantic-it was electric.

— "What is the meaning of Café Wabi-Sabi? I am sure you must have chosen it for its deep significance."

— "Will you continue to interrogate me while standing?"

— "My lover recommended this café to me. I cherish her deeply, and everything she finds important commands my utmost attention. I am eager to understand the essence of this café."

Serene's lips curved into a gentle smile at his response. Killian's intelligence shone through his answers, revealing layers of thoughtfulness.

Rising gracefully from her chair, she moved to the counter, her movements fluid and unhurried.

She prepared a coffee for him with a practiced ease, handed it to him, and offered a packet of cookies.

As she walked toward the expansive glass wall, offering a breathtaking view of Amsterdam, her voice carried a calmness.

Her silhouette was framed against the cityscape, only her back visible to Killian as she placed her hand on the cool glass.

The surprise etched on his face was unmistakable; he had not expected her to make coffee for him.

As he brought the cup to his lips, the rich aroma enveloped him, and the taste was an exquisite blend of sweetness and warmth that spread through his senses.

Together, they stood, silently admiring the sprawling beauty of Amsterdam.

— "Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese phrase that means finding beauty in imperfections and the mundane. It's about embracing life's natural flow and discovering magic in the unexpected. It teaches us to accept what is, or to strive to change our fate if we don't like it."

Serene paused, her eyes reflecting the city lights as she continued,

— "Wabi-Sabi encourages us to accept life's events rather than fleeing from them. Escaping brings only transient joy. Even when we face unwelcome circumstances, life continues to teach us; it's a lifelong process."

— "Why do you think everyone praises your café so much?"

Killian asked, his curiosity deepening.

— "People often disdain ordinary ideas; they gravitate towards what is fun and effortless. In truth, they don't praise my café itself; they appreciate the conversations and connections they form here. The café is merely a backdrop for these interactions."

— "Conversations? What is the significance of the seating arrangement?"

He inquired, leaning forward. Serene turned to face Killian, who was savoring the coffee she had crafted.

She noticed the stark contrast in their heights; Serene was petite, while Killian, towering over 175 cm, had a presence that seemed to fill the room.

Killian could see the sparkling eyes of Serene. Her eyes were so deep as if many mysteries and many things had been hidden there, only revealing themselves to those who truly took the time to look.

He placed his hand into his pants pocket and, with his right hand, took another sip from the coffee.

His dark eyes were fixed on Serene, and he wondered if this was the girl Lana had praised so much.

Serene was small, standing barely over five feet, while Killian, towering at over six feet, seemed to fill the space with his presence.

Despite her small stature, Serene commanded the room with her quiet confidence and the depth of her gaze.

Killian's thoughts wandered as he watched her. He marveled at how someone so small could hold such a vast world within her.

The golden lights made her face appear even more delicate, enhancing her natural beauty.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards her, though he knew she didn't need it and he didn't have to do that.

Serene noticed Killian's intense gaze and met his eyes, offering him a reassuring smile that seemed to bridge the distance between them.

She could see the curiosity and contemplation in his expression, and she knew he had questions, perhaps even doubts.

But she also saw a flicker of something else-trust. Locking eyes with him, Serene began to explain her philosophy.

Killian had heard from a hotel employee about the unique seating at Café Wabi-Sabi, where strangers sat together and shared stories.

This concept intrigued him, sparking his curiosity about the partitions and the deliberate design that facilitated such interactions.

Killian's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. How could people reveal their life stories to strangers, knowing they might never meet again?

How could they expose their deepest secrets and scars to someone unknown, without seeing their face or knowing their real identity?

The questions lingered, hanging in the air like the aroma of the coffee they shared, as Killian pondered the profound simplicity and depth of human connection that Serene had so carefully nurtured in her café.

— "People betray each other so easily. Even those we love can betray us, but when we talk to a complete stranger, someone we neither know nor see, betrayal is an alien concept. People play games with those they know can be manipulated. A stranger can never play with your heart like your loved ones can."

His dark eyes remained fixed on Serene.

— "So you are trying to change the world?"

— "No, Mr. Killian. Who am I to change the world? I am simply trying to heal the illness that has taken root in people's souls. You could say that I want to change their souls."

Serene's words flowed smoothly, revealing the depth of her thoughts and the purpose behind her café. Killian continued to probe.

— "That's a noble effort, but you cannot change everyone's soul."

— "I never intended to."

Serene paused, sensing that Killian was waiting for a more thorough explanation. She continued, her voice earnest and sincere.

— "I just want to make the world a little easier for everyone. If not everyone, then a few; if not a few, then some; if not some, then even just a couple of people."

Her words left Killian in a state of contemplation. He stopped drinking his coffee, feeling something shift within his soul that he couldn't quite process. He gripped the cup tightly and said,

— "Your talk like something..."

— "Something? Like what, Mr. Killian?"

— "Like..."

Killian struggled to find the words to describe Serene's way of speaking, as if his thoughts were getting lost.

Her face, framed by the dim light and golden hues, appeared small, cute, and peaceful, her dimples adding to her allure.

— "It's okay if you lose your words. Don't always try to find the perfect words to describe something. It's enough to simply admire it without understanding the source of your admiration."

— "Huh?"

Killian frowned, confused by Serene's words. It was then that Serene asked a question that unknowingly struck a deep, painful chord within him.

— "By the way, you haven't mentioned your lover. Who is the girl who brought you from France to the Netherlands? If I'm worthy of knowing."

Killian paused, placing his coffee cup on the desk, then stood before her with both hands in his pockets. Silence!

Her honesty was evident in her eyes, and somehow, Killian felt compelled to share. Little did Killian know, a subtle trust had begun to form.

He decided to speak about Lana, his voice growing stronger and more powerful as he started to talk over the background music.

— "She left me. Yes, she isn't with me anymore. Without giving any reason, she just faded away from my life like a glow-worm; brightening the night for a moment before disappearing into the darkness."