Ik ben Nederland.

[They’re looking him dead in the eye, holding a perfectly pink piggy bank above their head. The threat is real and it stands before him, unstoppable]

It’s about the satisfaction of the smash, bro. The smash.

[Saima hums in thought a little bit as they take it in.] I don’t think it feels circus-y but if you want to slowly over time adjust the color depending on how people respond to it, that seems find.

[They step to the counter and idly run their hand over it.]

It’s always very peculiar to cross that line from imagination to reality. Almost uncanny even - but it’s here. [A small smile directed his way.]

Oh sure, if I can get a coffee with some cream on the side, that would be good.

[ snickers, giving his side a gentle jab ] You bet. Ya always do such a fantastic job painting. I’m sure if this is “mediocre” [ air quotes ], then inside must be absolutely marvelous. 

Anyone else seen it yet or am I just that lucky?

The mural? Hm.... a few people have seen it, but they were the people delivering the tables and equipment. So no one that really mattered. [ he shrugs and lets them in, turning off the alarm]

[They give a small nod understanding how it would be a risk either way.]

As you wish.

[Saima follows behind him inside the building before taking a good look at the insides. The seating, tables, floral arrangements with brews and buds all seemed quite wonderful. The sheer amount of color and detail inspires a warm smile from them.]

It is pretty colorful. But I think it really works with all the color. Makes it a place that people would want to be in regularly.

[ Wim sighs and rubs the back of his head ] Honestly, it’s probably too much, but I’d have no idea where to even start if I was to try to reduce the color. It’s not just a coffee shop, but I’m worried it feels too.... circus-y.

[ He nudges him gently and offers a small smile to his brother.] Wim, It looks great. You should be proud of yourself. I’m glad you finally got it. I know you’d been talking about this for awhile.

[ rests a hand on his shoulder ] Hmm. Maybe! Guess you'll find out soon huh.

That’s totally understandable. But maybe getting more into doing what you’d like with this will help make it more worthwhile for you.

[At least that was potentially the plan here. ]

Oh, yeah. I’d love to see the inside.

Maybe.

[ he produces a large key ring ] Follow me. [ unlocking the door, he would normally hold it open for Saima, but instead he hustles over to the alarm and punches in his code ] Ta-Da. [ front portion of the building was dedicated to seating, with chic little tables for two and a few larger options. Along the left wall, there were shelves of different floral arrangements, all fresh and lovely- a large, L shaped counter preoccupied the back half of the store, with two signs: one said “Brews”, and seemed to hover over the drink prep area, and the other said “buds”. Behind that portion of counter there was a cooler with a variety of bouquets in vivid colors. A large flower mural adorned the right wall, clearly painted by the owner himself ]

It’s a lot more colorful than I was envisioning.

[Saima can’t help but smile, impressed that Wim had finally gone through with it.]

It looks wonderful, I’m super happy for you - even as scary as getting this set up must have been.

“Hm, I see. I mean I think when you have the purpose of knowing where you’re going and why exactly you’re going there.. it does take away whatever stress that may arise from getting lost. So I think there’s some benefits to that which should be considered. Gives you more time to actually focus on truly relaxing.”

I cannot believe, you, a Dutchman, would be willing to murder a bike. What will your little brother say? Your elder sister? Gods, Wimbo. What a terrible Dutchy you are. [He’s teasing– Wim is so, so fun to tease.]

It took you like, fifty years, to not own a weird run down bachelor pad. You still, I think, own that shitty car that’s nearly murdered us fifteen separate times. Basti told me he doesn’t even know how it runs, he thinks the powers of Jesus or whatever.   Oh??? What’s your plan? [Mathias also likes plans. And his curiosity is piqued.]

I’d sell your bike’s soul to satan for one corn chip. [ deadpans- really, how does he say things like this with a straight face ] I’m sure Bastian knows, and Emma probably does to but may tell herself I wouldn’t.

You leave my poor car out of this! [ for a moment, he looks outraged, but it’s clear he just playin’. ] She powers though her problems just for me and is the most dedicated being I’ve ever met in my life. [ clutches chest ] I thought about replacing her a few months ago, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.