Although I have been to the Veterans General Hospital many times, it was the first time I noticed that there is a Starbucks inside the grounds. The whole Starbucks space is not large, and while the environment is clean, it is not particularly comfortable. However, it serves as a place for medical staff and families to take a short break during their tiring moments and to replenish their caffeine levels to cope with the work that follows.

This time I ordered an Americano, which was just as uniform as the quality controlled by chain stores and the calibrated coffee machines—there wasn't much variation, neither good nor bad, just like how those who see life and death often in a hospital come to view it with a sense of indifference in the end.

Additionally, another type of people gathers here—those who have just participated in a farewell ceremony at the Donghai crematorium also come here to reminisce about the past. This is also the reason why I would meet with my middle school classmates here for a cup of coffee. Although the space is not large and not comfortable, the bonds between people grow closer after a long separation.