#those people need coffee at every moment of the day and i don't begrudge them for it

[vanaglorianaart]

Vanagloriana Art on Etsy

The Great Pumpkin Spice Debate"

Emma and Claire had a fall tradition. Every year, as soon as the air turned crisp and the leaves began to scatter their fiery hues across the park, the two best friends would bundle up in their coziest sweaters, grab their favorite coffee, and meet on the same bench in the heart of town to catch up on life. Today was no different, except they had both brought with them the most heated topic of the season: pumpkin spice lattes.

"You know," Claire began, taking a cautious sip from her cup, "I just don't get the hype. I mean, it's good, but does it really need to be in everything? Pumpkin spice candles, pumpkin spice soap, pumpkin spice dog treats—seriously, Emma, where does it end?"

Emma, who was unapologetically wearing a knitted beanie with tiny pumpkins embroidered all over it, looked at Claire with a mix of shock and pity. "Okay, first of all, you take that back. Pumpkin spice is a lifestyle, Claire. It’s not just a flavor—it’s a warm, cinnamon-infused hug for your soul."

"Oh please," Claire rolled her eyes, "You make it sound like it's a cure for all of life's problems. You do realize it's just a bunch of spices pretending to be something they’re not, right?"

Emma gasped, placing a dramatic hand over her heart. "Pretending? Claire, it's elevating. The pumpkin spice latte is the Beyoncé of beverages! It brings people together, it makes you feel festive, and it—" she paused to take a long, luxurious sip, "—tastes like happiness."

"Well, I like my coffee to taste like coffee," Claire retorted, pointing to her cup. "Simple, unadulterated, black coffee. No frills, no fuss, just pure caffeine doing what it's meant to do—keep me awake."

Emma shook her head with the kind of disappointment usually reserved for people who eat pizza with a knife and fork. "Claire, it’s not that I don't love you, but I feel like you're missing out on an essential part of the human experience."

"Emma," Claire sighed, leaning in, "Not everything needs to taste like dessert. Sometimes, life is better when it's just... straightforward. Like this coffee," she raised her cup as if it were a prized trophy. "Pure, unpretentious, and bitter. Like my sense of humor."

Emma couldn’t help but laugh. “And like your last breakup,” she teased.

"Low blow," Claire chuckled, playfully nudging her with her shoulder. "But fair point."

The two sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the autumn breeze fluttering the fallen leaves around them. It was one of those perfect fall days that felt like it had been plucked right out of a rom-com, and for a brief second, they both paused to just take it all in.

"Okay, okay," Claire said, breaking the silence, "You know what? Let me try yours." She held out her hand, and Emma, with a smirk of victory, passed over her pumpkin spice latte. Claire took a sip, and her face went through an impressive range of emotions—confusion, interest, then a begrudging acceptance. “Alright,” she admitted, “It’s not terrible. In fact, it’s kinda… cozy.”

Emma lit up like a Christmas tree. “I knew it! I knew you had a soul buried somewhere under that cold, caffeine-infused exterior!”

“Don’t push it,” Claire warned, handing the cup back. “This doesn’t mean I’m joining your pumpkin spice cult.”

“Yet,” Emma corrected with a wink. “You’re not joining it yet.”

Claire shook her head, but couldn’t help the smile creeping onto her face. “Fine, maybe next year. But only if you promise to try my black coffee.”

“Deal,” Emma agreed, but only because she knew it would be too bitter for her taste buds to handle.

And just like that, the two friends returned to their usual banter, letting the magic of autumn carry their laughter through the park. As they sat there, surrounded by swirling leaves and the warmth of each other’s company, they knew one thing for certain: whether it was pumpkin spice or plain black coffee, every fall was better when they spent it together.

[omgsamwellsports]

the campus calories are many but watching the envious eyes of others as we burn through them via sports is sweet