(The scene opens with ANNA frantically searching through a cabinet. MARK enters, whistling, and heads straight for the coffee machine.)
MARK: Morning, Anna! Looks like a tornado hit your corner of the office already?
ANNA: (Without looking up) Morning, Mark. And no, it hasn’t. I just… I can’t find the good coffee beans.
MARK: The Columbian Supremo? What do you mean? I saw the bag right here yesterday. Made myself a lovely brew.
ANNA: Exactly! That’s the problem. It was almost full yesterday. Now… (She holds up an almost empty bag of a cheaper brand) …this is all that’s left.
MARK: Huh. That’s odd. Maybe someone finished it off this morning?
ANNA: But who? You and I are usually the only ones here this early. And I haven’t touched it. I was looking forward to a decent cup before I tackle this mountain of reports.
(CHLOE enters hesitantly, holding a mug.)
CHLOE: Good morning, Anna. Hi, Mark.
ANNA: Morning, Chloe. Did you happen to make coffee this morning?
CHLOE: Yes, I did. I hope that’s okay. I wasn’t sure which beans to use, so I just picked the… the brown bag.
ANNA: (Sighs, holding up the cheap bag) This brown bag?
CHLOE: (Looking flustered) Oh! Um… yes. Were those the wrong ones? I’m so sorry. I just wanted to be helpful.
MARK: (Chuckles softly) Well, Chloe, those are… let’s just say Anna has a particular fondness for the more… premium blend.
ANNA: (Massaging her temples) Particular is an understatement, Mark. That coffee is the only thing that gets me through some days. And now it’s gone.
CHLOE: (Voice trembling slightly) I really am sorry. I didn’t realize there was a difference. They both looked like coffee beans.
MARK: No worries, newbie. We’ve all been there. Remember that time, Anna, when… (He trails off as Anna gives him a sharp look.) Never mind.
ANNA: Chloe, it’s alright. Just… next time, maybe ask before making a whole pot. The good beans are usually on the top shelf, in the silver bag.
CHLOE: Silver bag, top shelf. Got it. I’ll… I’ll make sure to use those tomorrow.
ANNA: Thanks, Chloe. (To Mark) So, Mark, you said you made coffee yesterday. How much of the good stuff did you use?
MARK: Just a couple of scoops. Enough for my morning fix. I swear there was still plenty left.
ANNA: (Looking pointedly at the almost empty cheap bag) Right. So, someone used almost the entire rest of it this morning. And Chloe only made one pot.
(A beat of silence. Chloe looks down at her mug.)
MARK: (Shrugs innocently) Hey, don’t look at me. I’m a one-cup wonder.
ANNA: (Her gaze settling on Chloe) Chloe… are you sure you only made one pot? This looks like a lot of weak, sad coffee.
CHLOE: (Fidgeting with her mug) Well… I… I might have had a second cup. It was a long commute.
ANNA: (Exasperated) A second cup? Chloe, this bag was practically full yesterday! A couple of scoops for Mark, and then… almost the entire bag for your “long commute”?
CHLOE: (Her voice barely a whisper) I… I really like coffee. And it didn’t taste very strong.
MARK: (Trying to lighten the mood) Alright, alright, no need for a coffee bean inquisition! Maybe we can all chip in and buy Anna a new bag of her precious beans.
ANNA: (Sighs) It’s not just about the money, Mark. It’s the principle! The Columbian Supremo is a sacred office resource!
CHLOE: (Looking genuinely upset) I truly am sorry, Anna. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I can… I can go out and buy you a new bag right now.
ANNA: (Softening slightly) No, Chloe, it’s okay. Just… please be more mindful next time. And maybe stick to one cup of whatever coffee is available when you first get in.
MARK: (Patting Chloe on the shoulder) Live and learn, kiddo. Now, who wants some of this… (He gestures to the weak coffee) …watered-down sadness?
(Anna groans and rubs her eyes. Chloe looks sheepish. The tension in the breakroom lingers, a silent testament to the great office coffee conspiracy.)