Last night was one of those ordinary nights that ended up being memorable.
Yesterday, I had my usual post-gym routine - a good dinner, and visiting my go-to coffee shop, get a coffee and make some work done. It's the coffee shop I frequent enough to memorize the playlist. The cafe's background music usually helps me block out the world while I get stuff done. But last night? The familiar tunes were absent.
I settled into my usual spot - the table by the wall, close to a socket (perfect for getting work done). I ordered my go-to hot coffee and a pastry, opened my laptop and began minding my own business.
I noticed a group of men hanging out just a few seats away on my right, chatting casually. Normally, I'm in my own little bubble when I work, but without the cafe's music, their voices were impossible to ignore.
Eavesdropping isn't really my thing, especially when I'm focused, but their voices effortlessly made their way into my ears. Their voices were loud. I tried my best to stay focused, but their conversation was something I couldn't resist.
They were discussing something that caught my attention: small wins.
One of the guys asked a question.
What's your latest win in life?
And then another followed up with, How has that win shaped you?
It was one of those moments when I start mentally participating in a conversation I'm not actually part of. Before I knew it, I was mentally responding to them.
What are my small wins lately?
I wondered, as I sat there, trying to concentrate on my work while quietly reflecting on my own small victories.
Funny enough, I started congratulating them in my head as I listened to their stories. It made me think of my small wins - the ones I hadn't really taken the time to appreciate and celebrate.
I didn't even realize I was mentally joining their group. In the middle of their serious conversation and just when I was getting used to this strange, uninvited mental exchange, one of them asked a question that made the whole group laugh. A question so unexpectedly hilarious that it distracted me.
It wasn't a simple joke that would only bring a smile, it was a joke that made the entire group burst into laughter. Someone clapped while laughing!? The other one couldn't stop moving and laughing in his seat 😂
I was right in the middle of typing when I heard it and had to pause what I was doing. I couldn't help but laugh as well!
I quickly tried to cover my face with both hands, trying to hide my laughter, and really hoping they wouldn't realize I was listening in on their conversation. But honestly, it was one of those genuine laughs I just couldn't hold back. It felt so good.
The punchline? His small win was being the first cum laude...
There was a brief silence. All of them were in a serious mood until someone blurted out, "first cum laude in the Philippines?"
That's when they all started laughing, including me.
In that moment, I was reminded that sometimes, eavesdropping (even unintended) can give you a good laugh and something to think about. Should I eavesdrop again? Nah, I don't think so. But if it's funny, I might consider it 😂
As I'm writing this, I just realized the joke probably wasn't even that funny. Maybe it was all about the joke's delivery, or maybe I was just in the mood for a good laugh. But either way, it made my night.
Have you ever accidentally overheard someone's conversation and found yourself strangely hooked?
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