by Jordan Berardi

Dear WCM,

Sometimes I like you iced, sometimes I like you hot. Either way, you are always on my mind. I have not gone a single week this school year without tasting your creamy richness.

Some would say it’s an addiction, I’d like to call it love.

See, the thing is, white chocolate mocha, you complete any cold (or hot) day.

When you’re iced, the twelve-ish pieces of ice create the perfect amount of chill. When you’re hot, the steam escapes the mini hole on the lid (that before seeing steam literally escape, I never understood its purpose).

I forgive the times you’ve burnt my tongue. I understand the times you haven’t been cold enough at the first taste.

Also, white chocolate mocha, you have brought me closer to people. The barista at Starbucks who looks slightly in his 20’s and has dark brown hair with a smile always on his face is now my friend. We have conversations.

“Oh, it’s you again!” he says to me with glee.

Though I typically get you through the drive-thru and I’m usually with two of my friends, you still remain loyal. I have never met one of your kind I didn’t like. I can be fighting with my drive-thru buddies but as soon as you soak into my tummy and theirs too, all is calm. We quietly sip our white chocolate mochas and speak only of our last encounter with the barista.

You literally complete me.

When I go on food trends like eating a certain thing frequently or drinking something often, my mom often says, “You’re going to turn into a (insert food or drink here).” I am surprised she hasn’t said it about you yet.

But if she did, I’d take pride. I would be honored to be a white chocolate mocha.

Sincerely,

Short Stack