The woman in the purple hat was my most loyal customer. She ordered her usual herbal tea and almond croissant daily. It came out to $8 even and I'd eventually allow her to leave the money under the plate, as she was in a rush most days.

One day the money wasn't under the plate. The shop hadn't been doing well, but I was more concerned with purple hat lady and her seemingly unusual behavior. I asked the surrounding shops if they'd seen purple hat lady and if they had, what general direction she goes to proceed on with her day. Just as I turned the corner, I spotted the hat! I picked up my pace to a speed walk and when I caught up to her I asked if she were alright. I prefaced that I wasn't upset about the money, just concerned with the sudden change.

She said she was fine, but it had been a while since she felt cared for. She spent days wondering how alone she was in the world with no family or friends. We were both feeling vulnerable. Then I began to tell her how I felt lonely most days, my main comfort and connection to the world being the satisfied customers at my cafe. She went silent and I asked her what she was thinking. She said sorry for dashing without paying and introduced herself as Violetta. I asked her about her hat and we no longer felt lonely.