Sharing a moment: I'm sitting in a coffee shop. It's late at night. I'm going through e-mail on my laptop computer. It's been a long day. Normally, this place would be quiet and subdued. But tonight it's restoring my energy. Some of the best music from the 1970s and 80s is playing on the speakers and it's almost impossible to sit still. The rhythms bring back memories.

People come and go. Some sit in groups of twos and threes and talk. Others, like me, sit alone and read or tap on their phones.

These islands of warmth and light in the darkness are a welcome haven after a long day. We're smiling over here.