I never expected to fall in love with someone more than twice my age. I'm Javi, 28 years old. Life is simple—work, coffee, and hanging out a little. But one day, my world changed when I met Mia, a 56-year-old woman who loves books and unsweetened coffee.
I met her at a coffee shop in Ortigas. I often saw her there—in the same spot, quietly reading. Out of the crowd, she was the only one I noticed. She had an aura of calm but elegance. She wasn't the type of person who would make you look at her just because of her beauty, but because of her presence.
At first, it was just a simple smile. But the day came when we were in line together. I let her go, and she even laughed when I said “Ladies first.” That's where the simple conversations started, until we started talking every day.
He knows so much. I once said he was like Wikipedia but more fragrant. He would tell stories about the days before cellphones, while I would teach him how to send stickers on Messenger. Amidst the laughter and stories, I gradually felt that he was special.
And yes, I admit it. I fell in love with him. Not because of his looks, not because of his age. But because of how he understood me. He didn't judge. He didn't rush. He was like a page in a book that you wanted to read slowly.
One night, as we were walking home together, he suddenly stopped. “Javi, are you sure about what you’re doing?” he asked, his umbrella in hand and his voice trembling slightly. I looked at him and smiled. “I don’t need an answer right now. But I’m sure about my feelings.”
Since then, our relationship has grown deeper. Even though we're not always together, the mornings we have coffee together are enough. Even without a label, we both know what's going on. Quiet. True. No need to shout.
Many were surprised. Some asked why her? Why not just the ones my age? But what they didn't know was that Mia was the one who taught me how to be a better person. She wasn't young, yes. But she was the one who taught me how to love with depth and respect.
Now, we still meet every day at the same café. Me, with my laptop. She, with a new book. And every time we talk, it's like time stands still. True connection is not about looks or age. Sometimes, it comes at the most unexpected times—like coffee without sugar, but just right for your taste.
