By: Anya Chen

One small yet powerful thing in my mom’s daily life is a simple cup of coffee.

Every morning, my mom either makes a cup of coffee herself or demands one made by either me or my dad on our coffee machine. Shortly after, the house is filled with the rich and tasty smell of coffee beans. It’s more than just a drink for her; it’s almost a part of her, setting the tone for the day.

When my mom gets her cup of coffee, everything seems to go well. If she doesn’t get her cup of coffee, the whole day goes downhill; the driver in front of her moves as slow as a turtle or my brother and I are being too loud. If she does get her cup of coffee, the whole family feels lighter, and our interactions are filled with happiness and positivity. A simple latté creates an atmosphere that shapes everyone’s days in a subtle but great way.

Because of my mom’s love for coffee, I have also mastered the art of making it. From foaming the milk to pouring the espresso, I do enjoy it when I’m asked to make some for her when I don’t have school. Even though I do get lazy sometimes, I have to return the love she gives to me—in the form of a smooth, silky latté.

Her daily coffee is such a small yet significant part of her life, and it underscores how the whole family is like for the rest of the day. Without one, my father may have to take over while my mom sleeps peacefully in her bed. Lattés can either make or break my mom’s day, even though it is such a small thing.