It started years ago. Every other Tuesday, we met for breakfast. We typically numbered around four to eight, and you need not actually eat breakfast, just sit and chat. Sometimes we networked; occasionally we would vent about tech. As we sat in the cafeteria, we’d motion for any familiar face to sit down with us. Naturally, this was before the pandemic started.
During one such morning, I patiently walk to the station that cooks breakfast and order an omelet and hashbrowns, which take a few minutes. Next, I wander to the coffee station where I order two items: a tall latte with whipped cream and a bacon maple bar to go along with my breakfast. I watch as the man at the espresso stand makes my drink and hands it to me. He then proceeds to reach for a pair of green tongs to get my bacon maple bar and puts it on a cardboard plate. Finally, I set those on the nearby table where we normally congregate. As I wait for my breakfast, I watch as that same man reaches for a croissant with that same pair of green tongs and hands it to a customer.