Thanks! Bye!

On the rare occasion I find myself in a cafe, I often witness people leaving with enthusiastic, jubilant, and sincere goodbyes, to be reciprocated by the grateful, friendly, yet slightly downtrodden cafe staff.

I however, finish my meal, put down my knife and fork, and I'm ready to leave. I plan my exit. It involves a compliment on the chef's delicious food, a cheery farewell, and a firm indication that I may be back soon.

I look in the direction of the kitchen, but nobody is looking. I wait a couple of minutes. I peer over once again, but all eyes are elsewhere. I stand up and make an elaborate gesture of putting on my coat, whether I have one or not, and pick up my bags, noisily scraping my chair across the floor. Still no one looks up. I rustle my belongings and trudge heavily towards the door. I turn around halfway and wave, but it fails to attract any attention. Finally I open the door and look over my shoulder with a big wave and say; "Byeeeeee!"

Nothing.


Why haven't I got any Cafe presence?