Waffle House

March 15, 2024

I miss your cinnamon waffles. Do you still make them? Specifically how you used to. Oh come on you know how! Put the frozen waffle on the buttered up pan and let all the ice melt, then you sprinkle the cinnamon on top, very precisely, making sure to evenly spread a layer of powder on top. Flip the waffle once it's golden brown and let it sit for a little more. You would bring out the fancy plates and lay a glob of softened butter right on top. And you can't forget the handful of fruit you'd always put on the side & how you slowly poured the syrup over every tiny square to fill it to the top. You know I was never all that big of a waffle fan, hardly ever ate them, it was rare I even considered one, but then you made me your infamous breakfast dish after school one morning and I fell head over heels into a pool of Aunt Jemima's sweet old syrup. 

Then one night we decided to go to the Waffle House. And just like that this little yellow diner became the center of us. We had our very own booth on the left side of the restaurant, close to the restrooms. You would sit facing the door always watching everyone that walked by. I sat facing you, I always watched you sit with your chin resting on your hands that were interlinked to create a huge fist, and your eyes would wander back and forth watching the steps of the man that just walked in. You'd look down at me though and lock eyes with mine while you leaned in a little closer & put your hands to your side. You'd look at me dead in the face with a very serious tone and say “I am so hungry” with huge eyes and I'd smile back at you and say “me too’. Who would've guessed we'd spend half our nights at a shitty diner no one liked. Always in the same booth, overthinking the menu just to order our usual meal. I'd stretch my legs under the table waiting for you to grab my calves and pull me so I'd sink in my seat. Always getting one chocolate chip waffle to share and you letting me spread the chocolate why you just watch in awe, always driving 30 minutes back home full and ready to be thrown into bed.

 I wonder if the ladies who always took our order ever wonder where we went, if anyone new sits at our booth now.