Scene: A small, slightly cluttered office breakroom. There’s a coffee machine, a microwave, and a small table with three chairs.
(ANNA enters, looking tired. She goes straight for the coffee machine, yawning.)
ANNA: (Muttering to herself) Another late night. This project is never-ending.
(BEN enters, carrying a healthy-looking lunchbox. He smiles at Anna.)
BEN: Morning, Anna! Or is it still morning for you? You look like you just rolled out of bed.
ANNA: (Forces a smile) Pretty much. I was up until 2 AM finishing those revisions. Client wanted them yesterday, of course.
BEN: Ouch. That’s rough. You need a proper break, not just more coffee. I’m having my lunch now. Want to join me for a few minutes?
ANNA: (Sighs) I wish. But I have a meeting in ten minutes, and then I need to prepare for the afternoon presentation. No time for lunch today, just this coffee.
(CHLOE enters, holding a small plant. She places it on the windowsill.)
CHLOE: Good morning, everyone. Anna, you look exhausted. Are you taking care of yourself?
ANNA: I’m fine, Chloe. Just a busy week. It’ll calm down soon. (Takes a large gulp of coffee.)
CHLOE: That’s what you said last month, and the month before. Remember what we talked about in the wellness seminar? Life balance isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity.
ANNA: I know, I know. Work-life balance. But it’s easier said than done when you have deadlines and demanding clients. My career is important to me.
BEN: Mine too, but I learned the hard way. I used to work non-stop, just like you. I got sick, missed important family events. It wasn't worth it. Now, I make sure to take my lunch break, even if it’s just 20 minutes. And I leave on time, most days.
ANNA: How do you do it? Seriously. I feel like if I step away, everything will fall apart.
CHLOE: It’s about setting boundaries, Anna. Both with your work and with yourself. Can you delegate any tasks? Can you say "no" to extra work sometimes? Even small changes can make a big difference. Like taking five minutes to stretch, or walking around the block.
BEN: Exactly. And don't forget the power of a good night's sleep. Your brain needs to rest to be creative and efficient. You’ll actually do better work if you’re not constantly running on empty.
ANNA: (Looks at her coffee, then at her watch. She hesitates.) Maybe… maybe you’re right. My head is throbbing. What’s in that lunchbox, Ben? Looks good.
BEN: (Grinning) Quinoa salad with grilled chicken. Plenty for two if you want to share and actually sit down for five minutes.
CHLOE: (Smiling gently) It’s a start, Anna. One small step towards finding that balance.
ANNA: (Sighs, but a hint of relief crosses her face) Okay. Five minutes. Just five. But don't tell my boss.
(Anna puts down her coffee cup and slowly sits at the table. Ben opens his lunchbox, and Chloe offers Anna a small piece of fruit from her bag.)
[End Scene]