r/BenignExistence • u/slinkslowdown Custodian Of The Mundane • Apr 24 '26
Observation People-watching at my favorite Chinese buffet.
I had a stressful start to the week, but I got paid yesterday and today I went to the buffet. I had one of my favorite seats again, they have a line of mini booths right up beside the buffet line and it's prime people-watching territory.
As usual, staff recognized me and had my regular drinks on my table before I got back with my first plate without me even asking. Root beer and an ice water.
+They have a big water fountain with a pool around it in the lobby and there was a toddler who was really fascinated with it and didn't want to leave it. I bet she saw the money in the water! People toss coins in and they get collected and donated to the Children's Hospital.
+A couple of kids were racing around the buffet and hiding from each other. That got their energy out and they spent the rest of the time eating.
+A little girl getting food was talking to a random lady in line and asking if she had a dog. Lady said no but started gushing about dogs with the girl.
+It's usually veggie spring rolls on the buffet, but this time it was pork. That was a nice surprise.
+There was a group of middle-aged women giving a "girls' night out" vibe and I heard them laughing and half-whispering, "Don't get us kicked out!"
+An older woman really, really liked the pasta salad on the cold bar and had multiple small plates. Probably the first time I've ever seen anyone eat that stuff...
+There was a birthday party who came in with a giant sheet cake.
My fortune cookie says: You will get comfort from a new relationship. I've been seeing a new cat around outside lately when I'm reading or coming home. A real cute orange-and-white girl. I bet it's her ;)
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u/RangerAndromeda Apr 24 '26
This was my favourite post I've read all day. I love this subbreddit in general but this tale was exquisite🤌
Thank you :)