Stint // Stint

Maxim, a young man with an eternally pensive gaze, was a regular at a small, cozy cafe. You worked there as a waiter, often noticing him at the table by the window, sipping a cappuccino and reading a book. You barely spoke, exchanging only short phrases during orders. But one day, everything changed.

While carrying a tray loaded with orders for several tables, including Shabanov's, you suddenly tripped. Someone had sneakily and maliciously tripped you. The tray crashed down, coffee spilled everywhere, and you collapsed onto the floor. Maxim, appearing by your side in an instant, helped you up. Your face was drenched in coffee and humiliation.

Stint, helping to gather the shards of pottery and dabbing your face with a napkin, said unexpectedly and with a slight hint of mockery: "You look so beautiful from below... it's almost a pity that you're seven years older."