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…” Just then, a customer strolled in, confused of what to order. Andrew approached and began chatting with him, offering beverages and cookies. The customer smiled and nodded, eventually selecting a caramel latte and a slice of carrot cake. Margaret watched, amazed by Andrew’s ease with the engagement. “Well,” Margaret replied hesitantly, “I suppose I could give you a chance. Come in tomorrow, and we’ll see how things go. Andrew’s eyes brightened up. Thank you. “You won’t regret it.”Margaret was quite particular about Andrew and his job. Margaret still didn’t trust Andrew, despite the fact that he had been working with her for several weeks and had made no mistakes. She often reasoned that she would be better off handling everything herself. She scrutinized his every step, correcting him even on minor details. But there was something about Andrew that she couldn’t ignore, which is presumably why she allowed him to continue working. He reminded her of her late husband, John, in numerous ways. Andrew had the same calm manner and analytical habits, and she occasionally imagined they spoke the same way. Margaret once ascended a ladder to a high shelf while cleaning the coffee shop. Suddenly, she lost her equilibrium and fell. She was unable to rise up due to the pain in her leg. Andrew ran over and discovered her on the floor, wincing in pain. “Margaret, are you okay?” Andrew inquired, his voice filled with concern. “I think I’ve hurt my leg,” Margaret said, attempting to remain cool despite the pain. Andrew carefully assisted her up and drove her to the hospital. The doctor confirmed her leg was broken.Andrew stayed by her side, offering support and assisting her with everything she needed. He brought her home that day and assisted her inside, making sure she was comfortable.As they sat in the comfortable living room, Andrew said, “I can watch the coffee shop while you recover.” “That’s not necessary,” Margaret said. “I’ll be at work tomorrow.” “But your leg is broken,” Andrew persisted.”Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” Margaret stated firmly. “Let me at least give you a ride,” Andrew suggested. “No,” Margaret replied, shaking her head. “Margaret, you need to rest,” Andrew said softly.”I can manage,” Margaret said. “I don’t need help.” Andrew sighed deeply. “Okay, if you say so.” He gave her a long glance before leaving her home. The following day, Margaret had a difficult time going to the coffee shop. She tripped while coming down the stairs from her bedroom due to a missed step.Pain rushed through her leg, and she fought to stand up. She realized she couldn’t drive in this condition and had to call for a taxi.When the taxi arrived, the driver was new and unfamiliar with the surroundings. He made a false turn, and Margaret found herself far from the coffee shop. She was frustrated and had to trek many blocks on crutches. Each step was difficult, and she feared she wouldn’t make it before the coffee shop opened. Finally, out of breath and in pain, she arrived to the coffee shop. To her amazement, the shop had already opened. As she arrived, the usual bell above the door jingled, and she noticed people sitting inside, drinking and eating pastries. Margaret gazed about in surprise. Andrew stood behind the counter, casually serving clients. He moved effortlessly, smiling and conversing as if he had done this for years. Margaret staggered over to him, her expression a mixture of relief and thankfulness. “Did you do all this by yourself?” Margaret inquired. “Yes, I did,” Andrew said, smiling. “It wasn’t hard.”Margaret gazed around, taking in the crowded coffee shop. She nodded slowly, experiencing a range of feelings. After a little pause, she spoke again. “Andrew,” she continued, “don’t make any plans after work.” “You will drive me home.” “Okay, boss,” Andrew replied, giving her a reassuring nod. “I’ll be here.” Margaret watched as Andrew cleared the tables. She felt relieved knowing she had someone she could rely on.In the evening, Andrew drove Margaret home. He saw how exhausted she looked and volunteered to help her clean the house. Margaret hesitated before agreeing, feeling appreciative for his kindness. Andrew scrubbed the floors and did the dishes as Margaret rested her leg. “Thank you, Andrew,” Margaret replied while watching him work. “You’re very helpful.” After the cleaning was finished, Andrew decided to make lasagna for dinner. The kitchen was filled with the delicious perfume of tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. When Andrew presented the lasagna, Margaret took a slice and halted in amazement.”This tastes exactly like my husband’s lasagna,” she murmured, her eyes welling with tears. Andrew grinned softly. “My dad taught me how to make lasagna. He obtained the recipe from an old magazine. Margaret nodded, feeling nostalgic. “It’s really similar. “It’s as if he’s with me.” Andrew sat across from her with a thoughtful gaze. “It’s just a coincidence, I guess.”As they ate, Margaret couldn’t help but feel a link between her past and present. Andrew helped Margaret a lot during the next two weeks, and they became close. Margaret recognized Andrew as a dependable employee and a kind person. He was always eager to help. Andrew showed Margaret how to use various equipment, including coffee machines and other items. Margaret noticed one day that Andrew appeared to be interested in one of their regular guests. He smiled more and appeared anxious when she was present.Margaret approached Andrew with a knowing smile once he completed taking her order. “You like her, don’t you?” Margaret inquired, raising an eyebrow. Andrew blushed and looked down at his feet. “What? No, how did you know? Margaret chuckled gently. “It’s quite evident. “You should ask her out.””She won’t accept,” Andrew remarked, shaking his head. “Go on,” Margaret whispered, gently pushing him towards the girl. Margaret saw Andrew anxiously approach the girl. They talked for a few moments before Andrew returned behind the bar, visibly agitated.“What happened?” “She didn’t say yes?” Margaret inquired. “She said yes,” Andrew explained sadly, “but she can’t wait until tonight.” “You can leave early,” Margaret said. “Really?” Andrew inquired, his eyes lighting up. “Yes,” Margaret replied. “Go enjoy your date.” “Thank you, Margaret!” Andrew said, swiftly removing his apron and returning to the girl.As he walked closer her, he smiled broadly. They exited the coffee shop together, and Andrew waved farewell to Margaret. “Good luck!” Margaret yelled out, filled with pride. Andrew returned with the girl later that evening, after the coffee shop had closed. He helped Margaret lock up the shop and then drove her home. Margaret turned to face Andrew as they approached her house. “Wait here for a moment,” Margaret remarked before disappearing into her home. Andrew stood there, bewildered. She returned a few minutes later, this time carrying a vinyl record player. “This was for both my spouse and me. We used to dance to music all the time. I want you and your girlfriend to see how stunning it was.” Andrew’s eyes widened in amazement. “Are you sure you want me to have this?” he said, his voice full of incredulity.Margaret nodded and smiled brightly. “Yes, Andrew.” I want you to get it. It would make me delighted to know that you two may also experience those wonderful times.” Andrew grabbed the record player, still in wonder. “Thank you so much, Margaret. This means a lot to me!” He gave her a huge hug, his thanks clear. Margaret watched him drive away, a pleasant sensation flowing through her heart. She knew Andrew had become the son she never had.Margaret was organizing supplies at the coffee shop the following day. As Andrew bent over to pick up a box, his shirt slid up slightly, displaying a birthmark on his back. Margaret froze, her heart racing. It was the same birthmark that her husband had. “That birthmark!” Margaret let out a shout. Then, attempting to appear cool, she asked, “Andrew, what was your father’s name?” Andrew stood up and glanced at her, puzzled by the question. “His name is John. “Why are you asking?”Margaret had a rush of emotions—shock, uncertainty, and anger—when she learnt Andrew was her husband’s son. Her eyes flooded with tears as she pointed to the door. “Leave, Andrew. “You’ve been using me all this time.” Andrew’s face became pallid. “What? I do not comprehend. “What have I done?”“You always knew who I was. “John’s wife!” Margaret accuses, her voice shaking. “You misled me into believing you were just a good child searching for work. “But you were using me!” “No, Margaret, I swear I didn’t know!” Andrew implored, his eyes wide with astonishment and pain. “I had no notion you were connected to my father. “I was simply looking for work.”But Margaret didn’t believe him. The sting of betrayal was too intense. “Just leave, Andrew. “And don’t come back,” she stated sternly. Andrew’s shoulders dropped as he left the coffee shop. He glanced back one final time, hoping she might reconsider, but Margaret stood there with her arms crossed, her expression unchanging. He went, feeling lost and confused, while Margaret struggled to understand the flood of emotions that had overtaken her. Margaret went to the doctor to have her cast removed a few days after she revealed the truth about Andrew. As she sat in the waiting area, she spotted a mom and her young son. The youngster was playing with a toy automobile, making vroom-vroom noises. Margaret smiled and said, “Your son looks just like you.” The woman smiled back, saying, “Thank you, but he is not my biological son. He’s my husband’s son, but I adore him like my own.”Margaret was taken aback. “That is incredibly kind of you. “It must be hard.” The woman nodded. “It was difficult at first, but love makes it easier. Family is more than simply blood, after all. Margaret left the hospital with those words resonating through her thoughts. She realized she needed to speak with Andrew and learn more about him and his background.Later that day, she came at his house and hesitantly knocked on the door. After a few moments, Andrew opened the door.”Andrew, can we talk?” Margaret inquired, her voice quiet yet firm. Andrew looked up in amazement. “Of course, Margaret.” “What is it?” “I’d like to get to know your mother. “I need to learn more about my husband’s past,” Margaret stated. Andrew’s expression became serious. “Okay. Get inside the automobile. “I have something I need to show you.” Margaret hesitated but followed him out. They drove silently to a small graveyard. Andrew parked his car and brought Margaret to a cemetery.”This is my mom,” Andrew remarked, pointing at the headstone. “She died when I was fifteen. My father raised me after that, but he disappeared one day. I sought for him but never learned what happened to him. I only found out about his death after you told me a few days ago.” Margaret felt a lump on her throat. “I am sorry, Andrew. “I had no idea.” Andrew shakes his head. “That’s okay. I didn’t realize my father had another family. I never realized he was with you. I apologize if you feel tricked. I honestly didn’t know. Margaret sighed, her heart full of grief. “I am sorry, too, Andrew. I should not have assumed the worse. I felt really wounded and confused.I couldn’t get pregnant, so perhaps my husband looked elsewhere. But it’s not your fault.Andrew gazed at her, his eyes filled with empathy. “It is not your fault either, Margaret. “You did nothing wrong.” They stood silently for a minute, the weight of their common history falling between them. Finally, Margaret spoke. “You know, Andrew, I’ve always wanted a son.” They felt a sense of tranquility as they stood there. They had found something important in each other: family.
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