Claire’s peaceful, celebratory morning at her favorite café quickly turned tense when a
confrontation arose unexpectedly. She had just received her dream job offer to become a marketing director,
and today was meant to be a joyful celebration with her best friend, Megan. Claire sat at their usual corner
booth, smiling at Megan’s text saying she was running late, when she suddenly felt a shove from behind.
Startled, she turned to see a sharply dressed woman with two kids, demanding the table.
“We need this table,” the woman said, more like a command than a request. Claire, taken aback but calm,
replied politely, “I’m waiting for someone—my friend will be here shortly.”
