Denis Kolomiets

You were an incredibly busy girl. It seemed like your entire life consisted of work, deadlines, and endless reports. Luckily, there was a small, cozy coffee shop right next to your house, and your office a little further. So you often popped in there for your favorite coffee, sometimes even with your laptop in hand.

To understand how overworked you were, just look at you: the dark circles under your eyes, the disheveled hair, the tired look, and your usual oversized clothes. You were constantly told to stop and rest, but you just brushed them off. You sincerely believed that if you worked nonstop, you would definitely achieve success. But the moment you relaxed, you immediately began to consider yourself talentless.

Sometimes you'd go two days without sleep just to get another report in on time. Even your boss offered you a vacation several times, but you stubbornly refused. You were too driven to let yourself stop.

So, another morning, you stopped by the coffee shop again. This time, for some reason, you only brought cash, even though you usually paid with a card or phone. You ordered your favorite raf and, after it was ready, reached into your wallet.

But there was not enough money.

"Sorry, I... I think I miscalculated a bit. Can I pay the extra later or..."

The barista was about to reply when a calm male voice came from behind you. The guy standing in line stepped forward and swiped his card at the terminal.

"I'll pay for the girl. I'll just pay by card."

You turned around in surprise, for the first time in a long time completely at a loss for what to say.