by Tannika Nikeya

📖☕️ P’osies Cafe Series: Part 5 of Mr. Daniels and His Cup of Coffee

Welcome back, loves, to the P’osies Cafe Series!!! This is our grand finale pf our beloved series. So, grab some coffee, tea or hot chocolate because we know it is cold outside and come on end for the last story of the P’osies Cafe Series. a new gathering for lovers of language and narrative.

Mr. Daniels and His Cup of Coffee pt 5

Written by Tannika Nikeya

Accompanying Video:

https://youtu.be/aqglZ3OTQec?si=KkXBv8MZXcNz5zxX

Part 5 The Fire

“Mom,” she asked, “is he eating now?”

Mr. Daniels lifted his head slowly, his eyes focusing intently on Kimberly.

Kimberly let out a breath of relief. “Well, that’s good, Mom. Thank God. Keep me posted,” she said before placing her phone in her back pocket.

“Mr. Daniels, would you like another cup of coffee?” she asked. “On the house.” She knew his coffee had to be cold by now.

“No, thank you,” he smiled. “How is your dad?” he asked.

“Well,” answered Kimberly, “he wasn’t eating, but now Mom says he’s able to eat a bowl of oatmeal. You know the cancer has taken a toll,” Kimberly continued as she sat down at the table with him.

He placed his wrinkled hand gently upon hers. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. This is a tough time for you and your family, but I pray you have peace in the midst of it all. And I am glad your dad is able to eat again. Healing is the children’s bread.”

Kimberly couldn’t understand what he meant when he said that last statement, but she felt relieved. Her face relaxed, her smile reappeared, and her chest was no longer tight.

“Thank you, Mr. Daniels,” she said as he gave a smile and a nod. “Well, let me get back to work.”

“Did you want that fresh cup of coffee?” she asked again.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you,” he answered.

—

Lesliana returned to the cash register with a smile on her face. Mr. Daniels watched as she bounced happily back. It was then he knew she had earned a good grade on her research paper.

Jacob switched over to helping the rest of the crew with drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. Order after order, the café moved busily along to the flow of each upbeat song.

As Gregory tackled the old machine for an older lady’s hot mocha latte with a shot of espresso, a flavorful drink for a spunky little old lady, he teased her like always. “Ms. Brenda, what you been getting into lately?”

“This week I went hiking with my daughter-in-law!” she would say. Or she was skiing. Or she went to brunch with her girl friends and had a funky good time. But this time, when Gregory asked, Ms. Brenda’s eyes lit up.

“This week, I’m going to be in a fashion show,” she exclaimed enthusiastically.

“A fashion show?” Gregory asked, perplexed.

“Yep!” Ms. Brenda smiled, striking a playful pose.

Gregory laughed as he handed her the latte. “Well, Ms. Brenda, you better show them what you’re working with!”

“You bet!” replied Ms. Brenda with a laugh.

—

After making Ms. Brenda’s drink, Gregory and Jacob rotated through the next orders as swiftly as possible. Frappuccinos. Chai teas. Iced coffees. Lattes. One by one.

Jacob pulled the lever of the old coffee machine for the next drink to pour out when suddenly—a pop sounded, and smoke rose from the machine’s vents. Sparks also burst from the plug and outlet, startling both Jacob and Gregory. Jacob fanned the sides of the old coffee machine and moved the cup from it, but as he did, he accidentally spilled a bit of coffee on the cord.

The machine grew more agitated as the sparks intensified: then fire broke out. It was like a scene from a movie, an unrealistic one at that, because fire was now emitting from both the outlet and the old machine.

Customers gasped and backed away. Kimberly rushed to Jacob and Gregory’s side. As she tried to help them get the growing fire under control, she commanded all the customers to go outside. People hurried out but Mr. Daniels stayed behind. With concern etched on his face, he slowly rose from his seat, moving only as fast as his aging body allowed.

The fire rose and swiftly grabbed on to nearby towels. “Call for help!” Kimberly shouted to Lesliana, who immediately dialed 911 and frantically reported the fire at P’osies Café on 47th & Lake Park. The operator assured her that a fire truck and ambulance were on their way.

As Gregory swatted at the flames, they lashed out and stung his arm. He jolted back with a yelp, and through clenched teeth, told Jacob to get the fire extinguisher. Jacob ran to the back of the store.

More pops and more sparks burst from the old temperamental coffee machine.

——-

Mr. Daniels moved closer, unnoticed by the crew. Kimberly and Gregory jumped back as the fire grew larger. Lesliana pressed herself into the corner by the register, still holding the phone, as frightened as anyone would be.

As the flames grew bolder, Jacob came running back. “I couldn’t find the extinguisher!”

“Oh no!” cried Lesliana. The new fire extinguisher was supposed to be back by the crates, but with the chaos, Jacob’s nerves, and boxes from the new shipment everywhere, he just couldn’t find it.

Mr. Daniels struggled to move faster toward them. Kimberly saw him through the flames.

“No, Mr. Daniels!” she warned. “Stay back!”

The daytime crew tried to fight the fire, but it burned hot. Gregory’s arm throbbed, searing from the inside. The fire spread across the counter, boxing them in. Fear gripped them.

But then Mr. Daniels called out, “Don’t be afraid. I am here.”

They heard him, but couldn’t see him anymore.

“Get out of here, Mr. Daniels,” cried Kimberly.

Just then, the fire shifted, clearing an opening, and the crew was able to escape from behind the counter.

Behind them, the fire roared—thick, angry, and loud.

The daytime crew made it to the door of the small quaint coffee shop. Sirens of a fire truck grew louder and then stopped as the fire truck came to a screeching stop right in front of the P’osies Café.

Firefighters jumped out the truck in their heavy fire gear, ready to conquer the angry fire.

“Is this everyone?” asked one of the firemen to the daytime crew as they rushed out of the coffee shop.

“No. Mr. Daniels. He is in there,” Kimberly remembered.

“Yes, Mr. Daniels!” repeated Lesliana.

“Take them” commanded the ruddy older fireman to one of the much younger firemen. “I’ll check.”

A moment later he and another firemen returned and stood before the crew, who were being examined by EMTs.

“No one was inside,” he reported.

The crew looked at one another. They were shaken and now bewildered.

Then Gregory smiled slowly. “Yoooo…”

12.12.25

by Tannika Nikeya

📖☕️ P’osies Cafe Series: When The Walls Start Talking

Welcome, loves, to the P’osies Cafe Series, a new gathering for lovers of language and narrative. Our name, a playful blend of “Poetry” and “Stories,” perfectly captures the essence of what we’re about. In this series, my best friend and fellow writer will join me at our writers’ cafe with our laptops, pens and paper, and a couple of iced mochas or chai lattes. We’ll be sharing our own work—from whispered verse to sprawling tales—and we invite you to listen, reflect, and get lost in the power of storytelling.

Pssss: we are about to conclude our series soon so we hope you have had a great time at the P’osies Cafe. We look forward to seeing your comments and for you to join us at the next series. Hmm. Where will we be next? Stay tuned!!!! We are so excited to bring some more treats your way.

But today, we have a new treat for you!!!! One full of humor and wisdom that you don’t want to miss!!!! So, come on in and grab your coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoy.

Written by Saneatra Polk

She didn’t just leave the apartment. She left the heaviness that lived in her head. Some moves start in the body, but the real shift begins in the mind.

https://youtube.com/shorts/zhapbf-wzZA?si=SpZOalbgW5_0Koli

12.05.25

by Tannika Nikeya

📖☕️ P’osies Cafe Series: Mr. Daniels and His Cup of Coffee pt 4

Mr. Daniels and His Cup of Coffee Pt 4

Written by Tannika Nikeya

[Flashback from pt 3: Just then zzzz, zap could be heard and then a pop.

Gregory jumped back from one of the major coffee machines, with his eyes wide and his head leaned back.]

It had sat comfortably for years on the cafe’s counter turning one cup of coffee or chai tea at a time. The cafe crews had done their best to keep this old machine alive and lately it had been so temperamental. Gregory touched the machine, an idea he knew he shouldn’t have accepted into his mind, but it was instinctive. “It’s cool,” he said as everyone behind the counter watched.

Mr. Daniels was also watching. Gregory sat a long cup under one of the openings of the machine and pressed a button. Out flowed brown liquid whose scent pleasingly filled the air of the little cafe.

As Lesliana left the cash register, Jacob, another daytime crew member, stepped up with a warm smile to ring up the next customer. It was a quick break for Lesliana. She often sat down at one of the little tables to check her emails and eat and drink a little something, a blueberry muffin and hot Chai tea, her usual in the morning. She scoured her emails and then checked her student portal anxiously as she sipped her tea. She had submitted her research paper a couple of days ago to her psychology professor and was awaiting her grade.

In the midst of the morning, song after song played in the cafe adding to the cozy vibes and morning pace that had picked up. Mr. Daniels took another sip of his cup of coffee. This time no steam greeted him.

Kimberly just then rushed from the back with a cell phone on her ear propped up by her shoulder and a bunch of pastries in her hand all concealed in their individual wraps. She dropped them down on the small counter next to the pastries display. She would put a couple of them in the display to show their delectableness and store the rest for customers to purchase. When her hands were clear, she grabbed her cell phone to hold it, her face filled with concern.

Accompanying video:

https://youtu.be/QrddTnh4rrc?si=hQeQX_AxrwR-k-vP

We see Lesliana anxiously checking her student portal while trying to enjoy her break. What’s one time you had to wait for important news (like a grade, a job offer, or a diagnosis) while trying to carry on with your normal daily routine? How did you manage that stress?

11.28.25

by Tannika Nikeya

📖☕️ P’osies Cafe Series: A New Hope PT 6

Some paths don’t make sense until you look back and see the world you helped heal. Trust your calling. Trust your glow. The journey is worth it. 🌍💛

Written by Saneatra Polk

https://youtube.com/shorts/0biwmY0WVIo?si=IC9zVC6d7ZXGBDql

Reflection: What part of your journey finally makes sense now that you’re looking back?

11.21.25

by Tannika Nikeya

📖☕️ P’osies Cafe Series: Mr. Daniels & His Cup of Coffee Pt 3

Today at the P’osies Cafe we have Part 3 of Mr. Daniels and His Cup, written by me, Tannika Nikeya.

In today’s story we have humility, hope, humor… and a coffee machine about to snap. So sit back and enjoy.

Part 3 Daytime Crew

(c) 2025

Mr. Daniels nodded his head, his face serene, and proceeded back to his seat at his usual table in the middle of the cafe.

“Shrek was about to blow his lid about his darn wallet he lost.” exclaimed Gregory. The cafe broke out into united chuckles.

The momentary burst of laughter then faded, leaving the familiar, comforting clatter of cups and the low hum of conversation. The cafe went on about their usual routines and morning bustle serving each customer and sending them on their way with their favorite beverages and pastries.

Mr. Daniels watched the staff settle back into their rhythm. His coffee, from which he had just taken a tiny sip, sent up a faint, comforting steam.

He noted Kimberly wiping down the counter with long, firm strokes. She was such a pleasant young lady who embodied the virtue he just told the man in the expensive blue suit to possess. She served more than just coffee; she served humility and patience that accompanied her smile. She doesn’t know her power yet, but it is immense, he thought.

Next was Lesliana, shy and timid, back at the register, her big smile reappearing as she thanked a customer. Lesliana worked to help pay for her college classes. It wasn’t easy to juggle her studies and a job but she needed the money for school. This was her seventh year at a four-year university, but this was her last year. My last year of college she would tell Mr. Daniels. Many of them mistake velocity for progress, Mr. Daniels mused, but patience and trusting God’s timing is a virtue. She carries hope, a quiet fire that needs only gentle tending.

And Gregory, who had a rough childhood in foster care, was already making the next customer laugh. He thought his job was only making the latest latte or frappuccino. It was not. His task is the balancing of sorrow and bringing joy to customers, Mr. Daniels thought as he observed him. For Gregory, laughter was a mechanism he used to aid himself in difficult times. And now the laughter he coaxes out is a necessary pressure release for the souls gathered here.

Mr. Daniels folded back his newspaper and sat it on the table next to his cup of coffee. He often poured his attention into the stories of the daytime crew more than he read the newspaper.

Kimberly would often talk about her parents. Her dad was gravely ill. As often as she smiled, no one knew just how worried she was about her dad who had lost so much weight and could barely walk now, and her mom who looked after him. After work, Kimberly would stop by to check on her dad and her mom. This Saturday, she looked forward to sitting in with her dad while her mom got a 60-minute massage courtesy of Kimberly. But at this moment, worry lay right behind her smile because her mom reported her dad hasn’t been eating much.

She had prayed with her mom after her mom gave her the news, trying to chuck fear aside and nurture hope for a miracle.

Mr. Daniels knew about her dad as he had listened intently to every detail Kimberly shared about him. He had watched as her colleagues wrapped their arms around her and assured her it would be okay.

Kimberly threw herself into her work, making sure the cafe ran smoothly and delivered those same cozy vibes it gave each day. The sun settled in just as the crew did, alternating spots and illuminating the cafe through the big picture window. The crew picked up their pace as the store became more alive.

Just then zzzz, zap could be heard and then a pop.

Gregory jumped back from one of the major coffee machines, with his eyes wide and his head leaned back.

Accompanying Video: https://youtu.be/d3SxwnJWqyU?si=91T-JutCUhtwCNnQ

Stay tuned for part 4 of Mr. Daniels and His Cup of Coffee as well as A New Hope pt 6 written by Saneatra Polk. See you next Friday!!!!

11.15.25

by Tannika Nikeya

📖☕️ P’osies Cafe Series: A New Hope Pt 5

Hey Friends, welcome back to the P’osies Cafe Series! We apologize that P’osies Cafe was closed yesterday. Some things came up and we got a bit delayed. Nonetheless, we are open today and have a new treat here at the cafe: part five of A New Hope.

Enjoy!

She walked forward not because she had all the answers, but because she believed again. Her hope returned—reminding us that new beginnings often start at our lowest point.

Check out today’s treat:

Written by Saneatra Polk

Please click here if you are unable to see the video here. It will take you directly to the video. I Keep getting error codes.

11.08.25

by Tannika Nikeya

📖☕️ P’osies Cafe Series: Mr. Daniels & His Cup of Coffee pt 2

Enjoy!

But Kimberly didn’t think he was rich at all. She had watched him on numerous occasions pull out coins and count them slowly, then hand them gently over to her or one of the baristas in exchange for his routine coffee.

And today was the same. Mr. Daniels limped in, gave his usual nod and proceeded to the line. When it was time for him to order his morning coffee or shall we say daily coffee. He would sip on this one cup his entire stay. Kimberly appeared from the back with a stack of cups in her hands. “Hi, Mr. Daniels, good morning!” “How are you today?”

“I’m well, Kimberly,” he slowly replied. “I hope all is well with you, today.”

“Oh, Mr. Daniels, this morning has been rough.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that Kimberly,” Mr. Daniels empathized. “But don’t worry, things will work out just fine,” he continued.

Kimberly let out a sigh and then released a smile. Mr. Daniels, in the midst of paying for his coffee, pulled 16 quarters out of his coin pouch. He laid them down on the counter, counted them one by one, and then picked them back up and handed them to Lesliana. Lesliana was another daytime crew member but also a full-time student at the local college. She seemed shy and timid but always smiled big. In fact the daytime crew at the P’osies Cafe, no matter what happened at the cafe or in their personal lives, never hesitated to smile. That was what set them apart. Their smiles were just as warm and inviting as the cafe.

After Mr. Daniels received his coffee. He sat down at his usual table. He set his coffee down and picked up the newspaper that was placed on the table by Kimberly earlier anticipating his arrival. While the steam rose from his coffee, he opened the newspaper to read or browse. No one knew if he read the newspaper thoroughly but he sat there quietly. Not one word.

The chimes on the door eagerly announces the next set of customers coming in one by one. A rosy cheek woman with a baby in the stroller who too had rosy cheeks. Two teen girls giggling, excited about the day ahead. A tall teen boy with glasses and corn rows whose face was buried in his phone. A petite woman with long hair, dressed in a mustard color blazer, long leather black skirt and leopard heels. She quietly and confidently walked in. And then a buff man wearing an expensive blue suit, white shirt and carrying a briefcase and talking on his phone came into the cafe.

Mr. Daniels slowly looked up at the man. In fact, everyone turned their attention to him as he came in because he was loud, a little too loud for the morning time where people had only been up for one to a few hours.

Some of the daytime crew felt relieved when he received his coffee and exited the cafe. But five minutes later he was back. He frantically rushed in even louder than when he came in before. And the chimes retreated back to their resting position just as quickly as they did when he rushed in. His briefcase swinging in his hands. “Where’s my wallet?” he belted out.

“Excuse me sir,” Lesliana softly responded.

“Where is my wallet?” he repeated. “I remember having it here at the counter.”

Kimberly walked over to the cash register and Lesliana. “Sir, we can surely take a look around the store right quick. Are you sure this is the last spot you had your wallet?” asked Kimberly.

“Come on, I know when I last had my wallet.” He retorted impatiently.

The man announced that he will call the cops.

“That will be fine sir but while you do that I will continue to check the floor. Can you retrace your movements?” She asked him.

Kimberly took a deep breath and told Lesliana to help the next customer who had come in after the man. Kimberly stepped from behind the counter and began to walk around the store looking at the floors and tables.

The man turned red and demanded his wallet, his voice high and grating. Kimberly grew worried. She frantically searched for the wallet of the man with the expensive blue suit, her eyes darting under tables.

Just then, Mr. Daniels slowly rose. Every joint seemed to creak a silent protest, but he moved with quiet, deliberate determination toward the belligerent man. Mr. Daniels didn’t speak until he was right beside him, and then, he gently extended an old hand holding a black leather wallet.

The man stopped mid-sentence, his jaw hanging. “Who the hell are you?” he snarled, his eyes narrowing at the old man’s patched coat and worn shoes.

“And how did you get my wallet?”

Mr. Daniels held his gaze—a gaze that held no judgment, only patience.

“You dropped it here on the floor as you left,” Mr. Daniels stated simply. Then, his voice softened, carrying just enough weight to cut through the man’s anger. “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays foolishness. I understand that you lost your wallet, sir, but please be patient and kind.”

The man snatched the wallet back. He looked down at the soft-spoken old man, ready to unleash another loud, dismissive retort. But something in Mr. Daniel’s eyes—a depth that seemed out of place in a coffee shop, or perhaps the sheer, unruffled calm—captivated his attention.

The man didn’t soften completely; the impatience was ingrained. Instead of arguing or shouting, the man merely gave a curt, tight nod—a visible effort at restraint.

“Right,” the buff man muttered, shoving the wallet into his inner suit pocket. He looked around the cafe, his face still flushed, then spun around and walked out the door, mumbling something under his breath.

“Thanks, Mr. Daniels,” Kimberly said with a relieved smile, watching the door swing shut.

Video:

10.24.25

by Tannika Nikeya

📖☕️ P’osies Cafe Series: Mr. Daniels and His Cup of Coffee pt 1

Mr. Daniels and His Cup of Coffee pt 1

Written by Tannika Nikeya

An hour after the sun rose to announce the morning, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles serenaded the small café on the corner of a quiet street. As the song played, the sun smiled on the café, beaming its light through the big front window with its sign: P’osies Café.

It wasn’t a major coffee spot, but it was a quaint and cozy “mom and pop” shop in the neighborhood—a true staple.

Warm colors, potted Pothos and Fiddle Leaf Fig plants, and dim lantern-style light fixtures hung over some of the tables. Unique abstract artwork adorned the walls. The wood tables and chairs added to the cozy charm, complemented by faux fur throw pillows in autumn hues of yellow, orange, and red.

One by one, customers walked into the café, the door chimes eagerly announcing each entrance. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. A new spice—pumpkin—hinted at the arrival of a new season.

Some customers came in with smiles and cheerful greetings; others offered polite nods, still adjusting to the morning and mentally preparing for the day ahead.

As each customer entered, the daytime crew greeted them with warm smiles and hearty good mornings. Some even had custom greetings for their favorite regulars. But when Mr. Daniels walked through the door with a slight limp and a soft nod—just as he did every morning at 7:45 a.m. sharp—the entire morning crew chimed in together:

“Hello, Mr. Daniels.”

And Kimberly, as always, asked,

“How are you this morning?”

Kimberly was one of the managers and the supervisor of the daytime crew. She had long locs and a beautiful smile—one that included both her eyes and her mouth and illuminated her rich, dark skin. Mr. Daniels often reminded her that she was beautiful and that she had the loveliest smile.

“In life,” he would say, “a smile from the heart and a joyful laugh are just as potent as medicine.”

Kimberly loved when Mr. Daniels shared his wisdom or stories from his younger days—sometimes about life, sometimes about the war. He was a sweet old man, kind and gentle, who looked fragile and poor. She would often tell the baristas to give him his change back, but he always refused. He would not take his drink if they didn’t accept his payment.

Every time he visited the café, he sat at the same table. He wore the same old brown jacket with patches, the same brown slacks, and the same white shirt. His black shoes were worn and cracked—just as weary as his jacket. And he always ordered the same coffee: almond milk, no sugar.

Most of the daytime crew thought he might be homeless because of his worn clothing and how he stayed for hours, sometimes until the crew clocked out.

Gregory—the one who kept everyone laughing—would always joke,

“That man ain’t homeless. He probably got a one-bedroom with a closet full of money. He’s rich, how much you want to bet?”

Accompanying Video:

Do you thing Mr. Daniels is rich?

10.19.25

by Tannika Nikeya

🏃🏾‍♀️Persevere: Practical Ways To Keep Going

Welcome to the final post of my Persevere Series. God has been teaching me that perseverance is less about how strong I am and more about how faithful He is. Through these posts, I want to encourage you to keep going, trust His timing, and remember that even small steps count. Perseverance isn’t about perfection — it’s about leaning on God’s strength in every season, whether you’re walking, crawling, or getting back up after a fall.

Reflection

Perseverance isn’t about pretending everything is fine or ignoring the weight of our struggles. Hard times are real. Pain is real. Sometimes, just making it through the day feels impossible.

But perseverance means choosing, moment by moment, to keep moving forward, even when the road is rough. It’s leaning on God’s strength when our own runs out. And sometimes, it’s allowing ourselves to be still—to rest and recharge—so we can rise and move forward again. We must learn when to be still and when to move, but in both to trust God.

I, too, need encouragement on long days and during hard seasons to persevere—along with practical reminders to keep pushing. Because even in the toughest moments, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness and it is the fuel to keep us going.

—

Here are a few practical ways we can persevere in the middle of real life:

1. Anchor in God’s Word – Keep a verse close (on your phone, mirror, or journal) that reminds you of His promises. When your strength wavers, His Word steadies you.

2. Pray Honest Prayers – Perseverance doesn’t mean polished prayers. Tell God when you’re weary, broken, or unsure. He hears the raw and real.

3. Take One Step at a Time – Don’t focus on finishing the race all at once. Just take the next step today. Small faith steps still move you forward.

4. Lean on Community – We weren’t meant to endure trials alone. Share with a trusted friend, mentor, or prayer partner who can remind you that you’re not carrying the weight by yourself.

5. Rest Without Guilt – Rest is not giving up; it’s a way of refueling so you can keep going. Rest is actually trusting God’s lead—acknowledging that His strength sustains you more than your striving. It allows you to be more focused and fruitful. Rest says you care about yourself, and about others, and about honoring God. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Rest allows you to refuel, recenter, and return renewed.

6. Break Tasks Down – When life feels overwhelming, simplify your to-do list. Focus on one thing at a time. Progress in pieces still moves you forward.

7. Celebrate Small Wins – Every bit of progress counts. Take time to acknowledge what God is helping you accomplish—even the little things. Gratitude builds endurance.

8. Learn from Setbacks – Don’t let mistakes, setbacks, or delays define you. Let them refine you. God often uses challenges to teach, strengthen, and redirect us toward His best.

—

Perseverance is not about denying pain, but about trusting that God is still at work in the middle of it.

Scripture

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Prayer

Father God,
Thank You for being our strength when we are weak. Help us to persevere—not with fake smiles, or empty words, or in our own strength, nor for the sake of a pat on the back for how much we can endure—but with genuine faith rooted in Your promises. And with Your wisdom and humility, Lord. Grant us wisdom to rest when we need to, courage to take the next step, and grace to trust that You are with us through it all.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Accompanying Video: