Page 28 of Five Goodbyes

The man nods, his eyes full of pride. “Yes, dominoes have been played in Cuba for generations. It's a way for us to connect with our heritage and with each other. My uncle, sitting over there, has been coming to this park for almost forty years.”

We spend a while longer at the park, immersing ourselves in the camaraderie of the domino players, me doing my best to relay the conversations between Isaiah and the men at his table while also concentrating on my own game. When our time ends, we thank our gracious hosts and move on to our next destination: the Cigar Boutique of Little Havana.

As I shake the hand of the last man, who has very deep canyons etched into his sun drenched face, he stands. “La próxima vez, mi amigo blanco, tráeme a alguien con dinero. Necesito que me pongan un nuevo diente de oro.”

All the old men begin laughing in unison and I shake my head. “There may be a day that happens, but I’ll expect a cut.” His bright brown eyes glint as he produces a broad smile.

“What did he say?” Lucas asks.

“The next time I bring fresh meat, make sure they play for money so he can buy another gold tooth.” Lucas and Isaiah both laugh as we walk out of the park.

It only takes us a few minutes before we reach the cigar boutique, the rich scent of tobacco instantly enveloping us, and I can see fascination in Isaiah's eyes. The walls are lined with shelves displaying an impressive array of cigars, and the warm, dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere.

To our surprise, Isaiah amazes Lucas and me with his extensive knowledge of cigars. As we browse the various options, Isaiah eagerly explains the intricate details of the growth cycle of tobacco, the drying period, and how each part of the plant contributes to the unique flavor profiles of cigars.

“Did you know that the leaves from the top of the tobacco plant are typically the strongest in flavor? They get the most sunlight, so they have a higher concentration of natural sugars,” Isaiah tells us.

Lucas raises an eyebrow, impressed. “I had no idea, Isaiah. You know your stuff.”

Isaiah beams with pride. “I’m fascinated by the art of cigar making. It's amazing how much craftsmanship goes into each one.”

The owner of the boutique, an older man with a kind smile, overhears our conversation and approaches.

“It's always wonderful to see a young man so passionate about cigars,” he says, extending a hand to Isaiah. “I'm Alejandro, the owner. If you have any questions or need recommendations, please don't hesitate to ask.”

Isaiah shakes Alejandro's hand, his excitement evident. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.” The two get into a fairly detailed discussion about tobacco and cigars, which leads Lucas and me to slowly take stock of the inventory.

As we browse the vast selection of cigars, Isaiah comes back to us and guides our choices, enthusiastically describing the flavors and characteristics of each brand. Eventually, we each select a premium cigar — I chose an AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Maduro, Lucas goes for a Padron 1964 Anniversary Series, and Isaiah opts for an Arturo Fuente Opus X.

With our cigars in hand, we make our way to the comfortable seating area, where Alejandro surprises us with a bottle of Facundo Paraíso Rum, pouring each of us a deep pour. The three hundred plus dollar price tag is normally out of my usual drink of choice, but I’ll take this glass with the utmost appreciation of the kindness of the owner. The rich, amber liquid glows in the dim light, its complex aroma enticing us to take a sip.

As we settle into the plush couches, we light our cigars and raise our glasses in a toast to the incredible day we've shared so far. The rum is smooth and velvety, perfectly complementing the rich, earthy flavors of the cigars.

We spend hours in the boutique, savoring our cigars and rum as we engage in deep conversation about our lives in Miami and Seattle. Lucas and Isaiah share stories of the thriving arts scene in their city, with its eclectic mix of coffee shops and stunning natural landscapes. In turn, I tell them about my experiences moving to Miami from California, and how I've come to embrace the vibrant, multicultural community of Miami.

As we step out of the Cigar Boutique, Lucas suddenly clutches his stomach, a grimace crossing his face. “Hunter, I think the nicotine might be getting to me. I'm feeling a little queasy.”

I glance at him with concern. “I'm sorry, Lucas. I should’ve warned you that cigars can have that effect on people who aren't used to them. Let's grab a late lunch. I'll take you to a place that'll make you feel better.”

“I smoke with my dad every once in a while, but have never gotten in the habit, and we chose some strong selections,” Lucas says with a nod, looking just a bit green around the gills. “Sounds like a good plan. Food for sure. I’ll follow your lead.

We make our way to Sanguich De Miami, a renowned Cuban sandwich shop nestled in the heart of Little Havana. The cozy eatery is bustling with locals and tourists alike, the savory scent of roasted pork and freshly baked bread wafting through the air. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and colorful artwork, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

As we enter the restaurant, the staff greet us with friendly smiles. I lead Lucas and Isaiah to a table by the window, where we can watch the vibrant street life unfold outside. I hand them each a menu and point out some of my favorite dishes. “Trust me, guys, the food here is incredible. You're in for a real treat.”

Isaiah's is quite pleased with the big selection. “Wow, Hunter, there are so many options that I don't know where to start.”

Lucas, still feeling a bit queasy, looks to me for guidance. “What do you recommend, Hunter? Something that'll help settle my stomach.”

I think for a moment. “Why don't you try the classic Cubano sandwich? It's made with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between perfectly crispy slices of Cuban bread. It's the ultimate comfort food to help you feel better.”

Lucas nods, his expression brightening. “Sounds perfect. I'll take your word for it.”

Isaiah chimes in. “I'll have the Pan con Lechón, Hunter. I love the idea of slow-roasted pork with garlic mojo sauce on delicious Cuban bread.”

We place our orders, along with a few appetizers to share, including croquetas de jamón and mariquitas, which are crispy plantain chips served with a zesty garlic sauce. As we wait for our food, we chat about the highlights of the day, with Isaiah eagerly describing his experience playing dominoes with the locals.

When our food arrives, the mouthwatering aroma of our sandwiches fill the air. Lucas takes a tentative bite of his Cubano, his eyes lighting up as the flavors meld together in his mouth. “Hunter, this is amazing. I can already feel it working its magic on my stomach.”

---