Eid, Sweet Serenity, and A Gift for Myself

Since it was Eid, I took a day off. It was a bright, sunny day with clear skies! Has anyone ever told you that summers are gorgeous in Seattle? I woke up later than I should have to get ready without rushing. Nevertheless, I made it just in time for the Eid prayers in Kirkland. Post Eid prayers, everyone shook hands with everyone, and in many cases, people hugged each other, as is customary on Eid. I did the same and felt good.

Post namaz, I decided to take a detour and grab a matcha latte. After all, who wouldn’t want a matcha on such a beautiful day! I Googled and found a place that I like and have visited in the past. Not a long drive from the mosque but it was in a busy area. I got lucky with parking and found an empty spot right next to the coffee shop I wanted to visit. The parking spot had a sign - “Parking valid only for shoppers at Sweet Serenity” and two more places whose names I can’t recall. I felt obligated to at least pay one of the shops a visit, even if I didn’t buy anything (although, historically speaking, I always buy out of guilt 😊).

Sweet Serenity was the shop I decided to visit. A charming shop, with flowers and decorations all around. They also sold candles. I smelled a couple of them, liked one, and took it to the counter. I was wearing a traditional kurta-pajama, as one typically does on Eid. The lady at the counter looked at me and smiled.

Lady: Did you find something you like?

Me: Yes, I would like to purchase this candle.

Lady: This is a good one! Is it a gift?

Me: Umm…*processing a thought in my head before speaking*

Lady: Oh, is this for yourself?! That’s cute.

Me: Yeah, I like candles and this one smells really good!

Lady: I know this is not a gift, but I will still wrap it for you! *she goes on to package the candle and put it in a nice box whose four sides read “GIVE-A-LITTLE-HAPPINESS”*

Me: *assuming she was done with the packing* Thank you for doing that! It looks adorable!

Lady: *nodding, smiling, and continuing to focus on packing the candle* *she decided to put a pink bow on top of the box*

Me: The bow looks great! Thank you, but you didn’t have to do that!

Lady: Of course I did! It’s a gift, after all. Even if it’s for you, you deserve it!

Me: *smiling and almost blushing* Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

I tapped my phone to pay for the candle, added a tip, and walked out feeling proud of my purchase and the small interaction I had with the candle lady.

Next, I went to the matcha place right next to Sweet Serenity with the candle box in my hand that had a pink bow on top. Candle, matcha, and me drove back home.

It was a good day 😊