Every day, I visit my little cafe alone, and I sing.

My cafe is not accustomed to long periods of silence. Between passionate dialogues and lively drum circles, there’s always one thing or another going on to bring people together as a community.

These are difficult times, but they are not hopeless. Every day, I visit the cafe, practice my piano, and sing; loudly and probably not too well. "City of stars, are you shining just for me?”

I visit the cafe everyday for a number of reasons. Partly because it’s difficult for me to start the day without a big cup of coffee. Mostly, I come here to maintain this space and reassure myself that there’s life waiting for us on the other side of the pandemic.

Over the last year and a half, the community we’ve built at Sol is hardly ephemeral. Even at the worse of times, we remain in each others’ thoughts, and stay in touch as much as possible.

“…a voice that says I’ll be here, and you’ll be alright…”

I must get back to my off-key singing. But know that I’m eagerly waiting to warmly shake hands with you again when it’s safe to do so.