“Of ALL the cafés in Singapore you say this is your favourite cafe?? There are thousands of cafés!” exclaimed the old English man as he took a cigarette.

“You really shouldn’t smoke. Especially not in an eating establishment-where are you manners?” Sitting across from him was an older lady who was working on a crossword. He blew a bit of smoke towards her, and she shook her head. “Really, it’s embarrassing.”

“No one cares, we’re outside. But tell me, why this particular cafe? What’s so special about it?” He extinguished the cigarette on his saucer.

“Well, they have a top-notch espresso. It takes me right back to Venice. Remember Venice?” she smiled, looking at him over her reading glasses.

“How could I ever forget Venice? That’s where you stole my heart.” He reached over the small table and took her hand. “And you’ve had it ever since.”