Kawaguchi masterfully weaves together the stories of four individuals, each haunted by a past decision or missed opportunity. Whether it's a daughter yearning to reconnect with her estranged mother, a man desperate to deliver a letter to his departed wife, or a woman struggling to confess her love, the café becomes a sanctuary for those seeking closure and a chance to rewrite their history.

Despite the fantastical premise of time travel, "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" is ultimately a celebration of human connection. The café, with its eccentric cast of characters and comforting rituals, serves as a microcosm of the ways in which we find solace and meaning in our relationships with others. The act of sharing a cup of coffee becomes a profound act of empathy and understanding.

While the café offers a tantalizing glimpse into the past, Kawaguchi reminds us that time travel comes with limitations. The rules are strict: the past cannot be changed, and travelers must return to the present before their coffee grows cold. This bittersweet reality underscores the importance of living in the present moment and cherishing the time we have with loved ones.