Scene: A busy, modern coffee shop. It is late afternoon.
(The scene opens with LEO and MARIA wiping down the counter. The coffee machine hums softly.)
MARIA: Another long Saturday. My feet are killing me. I can’t wait to get home and just lie down.
LEO: Me too. But at least we’re almost done. And you know, I like this job. I like the customers and the smell of coffee. It’s comforting.
MARIA: (Sighs) It’s okay, but it’s not my dream job. I want to be a journalist. I just need to save enough money to go back to school. What about you, Leo? What’s your dream job?
LEO: (Pauses, looks down) I don't really have one. I mean, I never thought about it much. I just… I like to work hard. My parents always told me that's the most important thing.
(The bell on the door chimes. MR. HARRISON enters, holding a clipboard. He looks around the clean shop and nods approvingly.)
MR. HARRISON: Good work, you two. Everything looks spotless. Leo, could I have a word with you? In my office, please.
LEO: (Looks at Maria, a little nervous) Of course, Mr. Harrison.
(Leo follows Mr. Harrison into a small, glass-walled office. Maria watches them, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.)
MARIA: (To herself) I hope he’s not in trouble. Leo is the best worker here.
(In the office, Mr. Harrison gestures for Leo to sit. Leo sits on the edge of the chair, his hands clasped.)
MR. HARRISON: Leo, I’ve been watching you for the past six months. You’re always on time. You never complain. You help your colleagues without being asked. And the customers... they all love you. They say you remember their orders even better than I do.
LEO: (Blushes) Thank you, sir. I just try to do my best.
MR. HARRISON: Well, your best is excellent. My head manager, Julia, is leaving next month. She’s moving to another city.
LEO: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. She's great.
MR. HARRISON: She is. But her leaving creates an opportunity. I’m promoting you to head manager. You’ll be in charge of scheduling, ordering supplies, and training new employees. It’s a significant pay raise, of course.
(Leo's eyes widen in surprise. He is speechless.)
LEO: Me? A manager? But... but I'm just a barista.
MR. HARRISON: You were. Now you'll be a leader. You have the skills, Leo. The skills and the character. Think about it and let me know by the end of the week.
(Mr. Harrison stands up, signaling the end of the meeting. Leo walks out, a dazed look on his face. Maria rushes over to him.)
MARIA: What happened? Are you okay?
LEO: He… he offered me Julia’s job. He wants me to be the new manager.
MARIA: (Gasps, a huge smile on her face) That’s amazing, Leo! I told you you were the best! You deserve it! See? Your dream job found you!
(Leo looks at the bustling coffee shop, a newfound confidence in his eyes. He smiles.)
LEO: Maybe you’re right, Maria. Maybe you’re right.
(Fade to black.)