Café Long Time Ago
Where it all began
Penned April 8, 2025 by Penny Sue Denim
The last time I was thinking about relationships from the outside it was 2004. The stakes were ultra-low. I didn’t think that at the time. I was terrified.
I mean, the stakes were so freaking high. They were huge.
There’s no use letting Today Me (TM) rewrite the story of Yesterday Me (YM) through TM’s eyes.
No. That’s not fair.
YM rated those stakes so high, they rivalled the elevation of the Annapurna mountain range we trekked on Day 9–both of our trip and our relationship upgrade.
I deplaned in Kathmandu and, seeing him for the first time since “just friends,” somehow, with a brand-new set of eyes, quite literally walked into his arms. I hadn’t been in them before, despite his pre-departure confession, and I didn’t know until that very moment that it was for sure where I wanted to be.
We spent those early days in the vibrant Thamel district, a brand-new couple, strolling through colourful markets filled with incense, Tibetan singing bowls, and pirated CDs, fingers intertwined and hearts racing. Aside from the odd Britney Spears poster, all things were foreign and, overloading my senses, held allure commensurate with their novelty. In response to the earnest and heavily accented “May-be la-ter,” retorts of the vendors when their offerings were declined, we coined our inside jokes, whispering to each other, “May-be ne-ver?” We browsed trekking gear and laughed and debated over lassi in cozy cafés. Cafe Long Time Ago, in Pokhara, eventually became our favourite.
YM rated those stakes so highly that, in his fresh embrace, in a guest house in Kathmandu, pressing an earbud into his ear and hitting play on Alanis Morissette’s “Head Over Feet”, she said: “This song is for you. But you must take it with a grain of salt.”
That did not go over well.
In his defence, how can you fall head over feet while holding on to grains of salt?
YM rated those stakes so highly that even though he kept saying, “I love you,” she held off for months until she’d met his family, he’d met hers, and she was rock solid sure. The kind of certainty that can only follow a months-long analysis of the existential meaning behind each word:
I.
Love.
You.
TM has different stakes. She’s a grieving widow with two grieving children in tow.
~ ps denim
This was magnificent. I loved the vivid imagery of Thamel and the story behind 'Cafe Long Time Ago.' The tension between the 'grain of salt' and falling 'head over feet' is such an epic depiction of young love. That song reminded me of my younger years, it was totally one of my favorites. The ending shift to the present day is heartbreaking but written with such grace. What an incredible piece and I am so honored that you shared it with me. I am also so sorry for your loss. Definitely plan to sub to follow more of your stories.
love this!!