Her name is Amy, and she works the counter at Hamilton Deli on 116th and Amsterdam. Since it’s the only 24-hour deli near Columbia, I’ve been visiting regularly to get my dose of caffeine while working at the school’s editing lab.

When I walked in tonight, she recognized me, and asked if I wanted my “usual.” Her gesture was friendly, but unexpected given how rare it is in New York to find service staff who make eye contact with you, let alone acknowledge your patronage.

The exchange reminded me of small towns where waitresses ask their regular customers if they wanted their usual (or is that found only in a Richard Russo novel?).

Amy must come from a small town.