On your average morning to work I stop by to pick up my favorite breakfast pick-me-up, a delectable jalapeño-cheese kolache. Upon entering I’m instantly greeted with that toasty, fresh out of the what-ever-they-make-it-in smell of donuts.

But my favorite part is the shop owners, a Korean (I believe) couple who are always working tirelessly to keep the place running. Whenever they see me, they flash me a warm smile and instantly say, “one jalapeño” without me saying a word. When my kolache is handed over the counter it is done so with the utmost deference: a two-handed pass, one hand lightly holding the top of the bag while the other is supporting the base like a serving tray, and with a subtle bow of the head and eyes closed. I feel like I’m receiving a golden idol or someone’s liver transplant.

It may be a cheesy sense of respect, or merely the fact that I feel like a human being rather than an ATM, but it’s just the thing I need before a mind-numbing day at the office.

I salute you Creamy Donuts. May your golden kolaches reap the years of prosperity you have deservedly claimed from my colon.