What we do in the Shadows

When you headed downstairs it just dawned on you that it was really the morning. And maybe you shouldn’t have popcorn for breakfast. But Then again, why you eat sweet things for breakfast is pretty arbitrary. Most of the world doesn’t have a dessert for breakfast anyway. But then again...cinnamon toast crunch really do hit different. ¿Por qué no los dos? So after you got your popcorn ready, you put it into a large bowl and poured some cereal on top before giving it a good mix. And then you looked down at the abomination you just made inside the bowl. Maybe you should have started out with a cup of coffee first.

Putting the bowl down, you go to your espresso machine and start pulling the shots for your morning cappuccino, while you have your milk frothing with the machine at the same time. Put two demerara cubes of sugar into the espresso, pour the milk, use a spoon to top off the cup with a lot of foam, and finally sprinkle a dash of nutmeg on top of the foam. Since anything can be enhanced with baking spices. After taking a sip of the coffee you go and try the popcorn, and decide it was actually pretty good.

“Why did I come down here again?...” You thought to yourself. “Oh right...Ice-cream.”

Luckily you found a tub of cookie dough ice-cream unopened. You decided that it was not an option to take two trips. That would be crazy talk. Instead you put the ice cream in a tote bag with some bottles of water, utensils, napkins, and carried the bowl in your hands while the bag was hanging off you. It took a bit of effort to open the door to your bedroom but you were able to turn the knob and still hold the bowl with both hands. When you finally put the bowl onto the coffee table you realized that you forgot your coffee downstairs.

“Your ice-cream is in the back along with spoons...I forgot my coffee downstairs...do you want me to make you one too?” You asked Alcina that still seemed to be looking for a movie.

“Would it give me a buzz?” She asked as she scrolled.

“Uhh--I don’t know...maybe? Possibly? It’s tasty though” You said.

“Ok go make me one...Thank you.” She says as she is more focused on finding a movie. At least she is not crying right now.

“Ok...I’ll be right back,” you said before waving goodbye and rushed down the stairs to make another cappuccino the exact same way. You decided to put each cup on a saucer and a tray before carrying it upstairs.

“What is this?” She asked looking down at the trays.

“Coffee?” You said.

“Really? I thought you were getting me oil for my squeaky gears...Of course it is coffee, what kind of coffee?” She asks you while shaking her head.

“Cappuccino, 2 shots of espresso, whole milk, 2 demmera sugar cubes, a dash of nutmeg on top.” You say, rattling off the recipe. As she goes to take a sip.

“It’s really good...You make this for yourself often.” She asked.

“Honestly it’s the highlight of my day.” You replied, taking your own sip. “And I think I am going to need to finish it in order to really wake up right now.” You added.

“I think I found a movie. I have been wanting to watch this for a while but I never got to it.” She said, pulling up the movie profile.

“What we do in the Shadows? Mockumentary about vampires flatmates struggling with mundane life? Sounds like it could be funny.” You say as you rest back into the couch.

“Yeah I wanted to watch something about my people,” She said nonchalantly.

“Oh of course.” You said playing along.

“What is...this?” She asked, pointing to the bowl.

“A mistake. It’s pretty good though. Popcorn and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.” You said before grabbing a small handful and eating it.

“I guess it’s sweet and savory.” She says with wide eyes.

“Yeah it’s surprisingly good,” You said.

“Have you made this for yourself before?” She asked curiously.

“No.” You answered honestly.

“Ok. Before I start this movie. I am going to try this.” She said as she grabbed a handful and tried to pour it into her mouth, getting cinnamon sugar butter on the corner of her mouth and all over her fingers.

“It is good...a little messy...POP...but I guess that is part of the experience...POP” She said as she sucked each finger clean, before getting the corner of her mouth.

The movie was good. Had a lot of great scenes. Good laughs. Really good horror comedy to be honest. But You couldn't help but feel a bit awkward about what was ok to do. You didn’t want to get too close to her to not make her feel uncomfortable. But by the end of the movie you were in a better mood, and it seemed so was Alcina. How long that would last, you had no idea. But it seemed like progress nonetheless.