Claire’s plan for a calm, celebratory morning at her favorite café quickly turned into a confrontation she hadn’t expected—but one that reminded her of just how powerful it can be to speak up. The café was quiet and familiar, filled with the scent of roasted coffee beans and buttery pastries. It was Claire’s happy place—a quiet corner of the world where she often went to reflect, reset, and, on days like this, celebrate. Just the day before,

she’d received a job offer for a position she had dreamed about for years. Finally, she was going to be a marketing director. Today was meant to be joyful, shared with her best friend, Megan, in the corner booth that had become their unofficial meeting spot over the years. She reached the cozy,