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“Well, I was kidding, but it seems like that might be the case.”
Sage places the coffee in front of me, and I reach for it.
“Thanks.” I lift the cup and smile.
The next hour passes in a rush as I keep working on research. So many details go into starting your own business, even if it’s a non-profit. I’ve read about insurance, liabilities, international agreements, and visas. It’s making my head spin.
“Have you always wanted to do that?”
I look over at Sage, who is wiping down the counter. It’s just the two of us now, this late in the day.
I haven’t even been aware of others coming and going. My focus has been glued to my laptop, and it feels so good to be productive. I’m like the G.I. Joe of productivity right now. Nothing can stop me.
The whole issue with the trust fund has created a mental block that seems to finally be lifting.
“For a couple of years. It wasn’t what I had planned, but I stumbled into it and haven’t looked back.” I lean back in my seat and place my hands on the back of my head, stretching my shoulders.
“How did you stumble upon it? It doesn’t seem like a job that people just randomly think of.” She stops wiping and crosses her arms. The rag hangs from her hand as she looks at me intently.
There are those deep eyes again, seeming to read and assess every single thought I possess.
“I volunteered for a few different organizations in Europe and Africa. It changed my life, and now I’m ready to run my own.”
“So young? Why not keep volunteering?”
“First the hipster comment, and now you call me so young.“ I shake my head in mock disbelief. “I am not winning points with you.”
“What do you need points for?” She gives me a stern expression. “And yes, you are young. I am, too. It’s like life is just getting started for both of us.”
I shrug and think about her question.
“The timing feels right. I did the volunteering thing, and it hit home how some people have nothing.” I shift in my seat, my chest clenching. “I grew up not wanting for anything, but these kids…” I shake off the sadness and blink away from her eyes. “Some of these kids aren’t even living their childhood, and they deserve to have fun, but I didn’t find an organization that would provide that, so I want to do it.“ I shrug as if it were no big deal, but I know it’s a huge deal.
I glance up and see Sage watching me with intensity.
“You mentioned an art and sports program earlier. Will you provide classes or something?”
“Kind of. I plan to offer services where volunteers will teach art, drama, music, dance, and sports. I also want to install playgrounds in the facilities. Each orphanage will have a chance to apply for a service.” My voice is full of passion.
Thinking that I would get the trust fund at twenty-five motivated my decision since I’d have the resources to help fund the early stages, but it’s more than that. I feel ready to move into this role and offer these opportunities to orphans in third-world countries. Besides, I want to offer children the support I never got from my parents.
Every child should feel loved, accepted, and live their childhood regardless of their circumstances. I may have grown up with my parents, but many times I felt like an orphan.
“Wow, that sounds amazing.” Her mouth drops, and I bet she’s thinking about how I am way more than a coffee-drinking hipster. For some reason, her approval fills me with pride. If I were a pigeon, I’d puff out my chest, or is that a mating ritual?
“How about you?”
She looks up at me with raised eyebrows.
“This job. What made you choose it?” I wave a hand around the coffee shop.
“I need money, like everyone else. I like coffee, worked as a barista in college, and they were hiring. As simple as that.”
“What did you study?” I’m intrigued by her.
“I never finished. I had to move back home.” Her words are clipped.
Taken aback by the change in her tone, I nod but don’t push. I can relate to not wanting to speak or share more than you’re willing to. Respecting that, I look back at my laptop and finish working.
