SMALL DOSES

For a while now I have been avoiding the C'town bakery where I used to go for afternoon tea on Wednesdays, because of the changed ambiance. When I was still going there I tailored my time to avoid it when crowded, as I've noticed that, what with being a space mutant with tentacles and a bad aura, some of the home-town regulars are distinctly iffy about me. I don't need to feel more on the spectrum than I usually do, and in consequence there are a few places where I don't go when there are too many people there.

Also, I like finding a place to sit. That's very important. Afternoon tea just isn't afternoon tea if it's merely a pastry and a rapidly cooling hot cuppa out in the snowdrifts because there was no room at the inn.


Hypothetical conversation: "How come you haven't been around in over a month?" "Well, the last few times I went there I got the distinct impression that my company was unwanted and unwelcomed by some of those people there at that time. So why even bother?"


That's okay, boys, I'll simply take my slimy ichor elsewhere.
You can have the tables all to your selves.
余亦謝時去 ...

Afternoon tea requires a few things that are pretty darn essential. Among them are a place to sit, a pastry or snackiepoo, and a hot cup of milk tea. At too many places the milk tea comes in a paper cup, which is tolerable, but not ideal. What is crucial -- it makes the damned paper cup not an issue -- is that one's presence is in no way treated as impositional.

There are a few places where I feel warmly welcomed.


I am too much on the spectrum to be a social butterfly. Plus rather sensitive.



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