Cuppa

(Signs of the Times is a work of fiction based on true events. Views expressed are the author’s own. Viewer discretion is advised.)

I have a friend who works as a machinist. He’s honest, smart, and hard-working. His eyes cannot betray trust.

We had coffee last week. He didn’t put cream or sugar in his coffee. He just tapped the ceramic mug. Waiting.

“Is everything alright?” I asked.

“It could be better.”

He looked out the window. It was raining. The corners of the glass were fogged up from the inside.

“You wanna talk about it?”

He took a sip of coffee. The steam coming off the mug swirled around his face.

“We got an order in December to do some work at the shop. Not plane parts.”

He told me about the details. He explained his boss picked up a Defense contract. Big money.

“We’re making bombs now.”

“Jesus.”

“It’s everything but the explosive stuff. The real deal.”

“How do you feel about it?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why don’t you feel anything?”

“I do.”

“Then…”

“I just wish it was bombs.”

“You’re part of the military industrial complex.”

“I know.”

We drank our coffee. Both of us looked out the window. He tapped the rim of the mug with his thumb.