Copper, bright yellow, burnt orange: the leaves were swirling about, dancing with the sharp bite of the autumn air.

Margo reveled in the satisfying crunch of the foliage underfoot as she strolled along to her bus stop. She had never been a morning person, but walking by the neighborhood cafe early in the morning, the aroma of fresh-baked croissants and the coffee being brewed by frenzied baristas always perked her up.

As she slowed to pass the cafe and take in the bouquet of breakfast scents, a petite woman exiting with her coffee collided with Margo and sixteen ounces of caffeinated bliss made its way onto Margo’s white shirt and cardigan.

“Oh…my…gosh. I am soooooo sorry!” The petite woman looked absolutely horrified.

“Pleaaaase let me help clean off your shirt and I’ll buy you whatever you want for breakfast.”

“I really need to catch my bus,” Margo contested.

“You need to eat, my dear,” the lady said as she stuck out her hand. “My name is Priscilla. Very nice to meet you.” Margot shook her hand.

“Welllll…ok.” Margo abided and followed Priscilla into the shop. She was definitely going to miss her bus, but she had been going into work early for weeks and justified sitting and enjoying a flaky, golden croissant and a creamy, steaming latte.

“Let’s get to working on this stain.” Priscilla gently grasped Margo’s hand and led her into the bustling cafe, stopped at the front counter and asked a young staff member for some baking soda and a clean rag.

“We had a little accident.” Priscilla winked at the barista as he scurried into the kitchen and returned promptly with a box and rag.

“Thank you!” Still grasping Margo’s hand, the two made their way into the restroom, a glorious space painted goldenrod with whimsical sketches of pastries and an ornate gold mirror.

Priscilla wet the clean rag, sprinkled in some baking soda and proceeded to dab at Margo’s shirt and cardigan. It was definitely a bit of an intimate situation, it as Margo has been working close to 80 hours a week, she appreciated the attention and the quiet haven.

“There we go!” Priscilla exclaimed. Magically the stain had cleared and Margo was only left with a smattering of damp patches on her clothing.

“Let’s get you fed!”

Again, grasping at Margo’s hand, the two made their way up to the front counter. Priscilla handed Margo a hundred dollar bill.

“Use this however you choose,” she said. “I have to get going.”

With a wink, Priscilla released Margo’s hand and began her exit.

“Thank you!” Margo called out as the kind soul disappeared out the door with a flash of a colorful silk scarf and tiny ballet flats.

She stood still for a moment contemplating how to spend the large bill she had just been gifted.

She had an idea. Pulling out her cellphone, she excused herself from the counter and called into work. As soon receptionist answered, Margo explained she wouldn’t be coming into work today because she was ill. Then she hung up.

She walked up to the counter.

“What can I get for you today?” The cheerful barista asked.

“I’ll take ten small coffees, eleven croissants and one medium latte with skim milk.”

“Ok, that’ll be 86.51”

Margo handed over the bill. “The rest is for you,” she said.

Five minutes later, Margo hurried out of the cafe, arms laden with java and pastries. She strolled down the street as she enjoyed the sense of freedom and a twinge of defiant satisfaction for playing hooky.

She made her way along the cracked and uneven sidewalk, past her bus stop and another two blocks down to the animal shelter on the corner of Rose St. and 2nd Avenue.

An elderly worker spied Margo at the glass door with her hands full of drink carriers and glossy pastry bags.

The woman walked over to the door and opened it with a bit of confusion furrowing her brow.

“Can I help you?” She asked politely, yet with a lilt suggesting hesitancy.

“Yes,” said Margo. “I walk by here several times during the week and always see your staff in the outdoor space taking such great care of and bringing joy to the animals. I know you all work hard and must be very compassionate to do what you do. A kind stranger paid for my breakfast after a coffee stain mishap and I wanted to share her generosity with you. She was extra hospitable, so there were plenty of funds left to pay for coffee and croissants for you all.”

“Oh, wow! THANK YOU!”

The elderly lady ushered Margo into the clean and orderly front room, the sound of muffled barks and mews emanating from the back cage area.

Margo set the coffees and croissants down on the front desk, relieved to unfurl her cramped fingers.

“Please,” the worker stated with clasped hands. “Stay for a bit.”

Margo held onto her still-steaming latte and stated with a secure wink, “I really must go.”

She placed her free hand on the elderly woman’s shoulder, took in the deeply creased face in front of her, and turned and walked out the front door with her latte wafting behind her.