Hallway sprint, croissants, and Maya

Hallway sprint, croissants, and Maya

I was late for my shift at the coffee shop, sprinting down the hallway of my apartment building, but the hallway kept stretching forever. I finally burst through the door and saw the line of customers already waiting. As I fumbled for my apron, I realized I was still in the pajamas I wore to bed. Then I heard a voice behind the counter – it was Maya, my high school crush, now working at the bakery across the street. She was smiling, holding a tray of croissants, and asked if I wanted a coffee. My heart raced, but I could barely move; I felt like I was walking through syrup. I tried to tell her I was busy, but the words got stuck. Suddenly the bakery merged with the coffee shop, and we were both behind the same counter, laughing about how we both showed up in the wrong clothes. The bell rang, I finally grabbed a cup, and Maya whispered, "We should hang out after work," before the whole scene melted into the sound of the train passing outside.