When Miranda awoke her day seemed like any other. However, today was to be different. She was to meet him today. She didn't know it yet of course. Fate is funny that way.

She rolled out of bed, walked across the hardwood of her 10th floor studio and turned on the coffee machine. She then climbed in the shower. Intuitively she knew to look a little nicer than usual for class today. A few minutes after showering she put on her favorite underwear and her light blue shirt and khaki skirt that looked so good on her. Her hair was behaving nicely today. It's a good thing because she had no idea how her life was going to change later.

She put on her black coat, grabbed her backpack, and looking outside, put on her sunglasses. It was chilly but the sun was burning bright in the eastern sky.

Physics. Philosophies for Education 214. 20th Century American Literature. Classes were the usual. She trudged through a quick lunch. After an hour in the library and an errand in the Student Union, she ran into one of her co-workers. The conversation was quick. She was a ditz. Conversing was a chore. Fate had different things for Miranda than co-workers that day.

While walking out of the Student Union she saw Jeff. Jeff was her ex-boyfriend. He still loved her. Truth be told it was more of a lust for her. A lust to not be alone, to hold her soft shoulders next to his once again. Fate wasn't on Jeff's side today.

After finally ridding herself of a pesky Jeff, Miranda went to work. She only had 2 hours of work scheduled today. It was good. She would be able to do her homework tonight. It was also good because of how her life was about to change. A busy evening might not allow such an experience to occur.

Her two hours answering phone calls and greeting incomers at the English department desk went quickly. It was a busy day. The two hours were soon up and she checked out. Donning the black coat and shades again, she stepped outside.

On the eight- block walk back to her apartment fate suddenly stepped in. A sudden need for a cup of coffee entered her persona. She turned and walked up the stairs to the local coffee shop which was also a favorite poet hang out. Then she saw him. This was it, fate was circling like a flock of vultures. He was standing at the counter wearing black slacks and an untucked blue oxford shirt. Something caught his attention and he turned. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her.

Their eyes met. Something caused everything in the place to freeze. She looked at him longingly. He felt the electricity in her eyes. Was he the one? Would he answer her hopes and dreams and fulfill all her longings to be held? A million thoughts and feelings flooded her mind at once. He looked good! She'd seen him in her American Lit. class today. He answered the question about Jack Keroauc. He was smart. Did he see her? Would he feel the same? "What size of latte do you want? Sir! Sir!" "Sir! What size of latte do you want?"

"Huh?" he said, startled. Suddenly the entire coffee shop seemed to snap back into motion. The radio began again and so did the conversations which had ceased to exist only a few seconds before.

"What size of latte do you want?" The lady behind the counter asked him.

"Oh. Uh, large." The latte was promptly made and after receiving it he walked out the door.

Stupid Men.

LETTERS FROM READERS