ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Widow hires new employee and discovers the secret her late husband kept for 20 years.

ADVERTISEMENT

Margaret chose to carry out her husband’s long-held desire of founding a coffee business after he died. Realizing she couldn’t do it alone, she had to employ a young man to assist her. Because of him, she learned a secret her late husband had been keeping for 20 years. Following her husband’s tragic death, Margaret chose to pursue their common ambition of owning a coffee shop, something they had always desired but never accomplished together.

Margaret used all of her savings to open this coffee business, and today was the grand opening. The sun was bright, and the aroma of freshly cooked pastries permeated the atmosphere. She felt both excited and nervous as she unlocked the doors for the first time. A neighbor had recommended her to hire someone to assist her, but Margaret was fiercely opposed.She felt confident she could handle everything.“I’ve managed bigger challenges in life,” she reflected, recalling her husband’s illness and how she had cared for him. She wanted to prove to herself and his memory that she could do it. However, more people attended the event than Margaret anticipated. The bell above the door jingled continually as customers poured in, eager to sample the new coffee shop in town. Margaret soon found herself overwhelmed. She ran from the counter to the tables, attempting to keep up with the orders. In her hurry, she forgot to take orders and frequently mixed them up. A cappuccino turned into a latte, while a blueberry muffin went to someone who had ordered a chocolate croissant. Customers left the cafe disappointed, their comments reverberating in her mind: “She can’t do it alone,” and “This place won’t last a week.”Margaret resolved to locate an assistant the next day, despite her heavy heart. She placed a job advertisement and spent the morning doing many interviews. One candidate spoke too much, another appeared uninterested, while a third failed to show up. Margaret turned down each prospect, becoming increasingly discouraged by the minute. A young man entered just before closing time. He had a pleasant expression and a calm manner. “Hello, my name is Andrew,” he introduced himself, smiling cheerfully. “I saw your ad and wondered if you’re still looking for help.” Margaret sighed, exhausted and hesitant. “I am, but it’s been a hard day. “I am not sure…”

Continued on next page

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT