I visit a Tokyo cardiologist once every 2 months.
Being an old fart, I have a set routine that adds some interest to an otherwise boring afternoon of shuffling between waiting rooms, waiting for blood tests, pissing in cups, etc.

Soon as the tests are finished, I walk about 400m to get a cup of coffee at a Japanese chain (Doutor) I only ever visit 6 times a year, on heart-doctor day.

Standard foam

Two months ago I again went through those same old ropes and on the way out of the coffee shop I pointed at the coffee, gave a thumbs-up sign and nodded my thanks to the barista for a particularly well-crafted coffee.

Last Friday, two months later, I’m back to see the same doctor, the same chemist and the same coffee shop. I ordered the same coffee and that same barista I’d nodded to 60 days ago, who wasn’t even working the counter, must have spotted me and rushed to the coffee machine to fill my order.
Here’s what she made and passed to the girl at the counter to hand me.

She’d waited 2 months to return the compliment

I know for sure, two months from now, if she’s there, I’ll get a big beaming smile and a damn fine cup of coffee. Quite likely, not a word will pass between us.

Only in Japan.