Running late! Within three minutes she darts into the bathroom, applies her makeup, pulls on her coat and boots, then steps into the elevator.
Emilie jolted awake, already behind schedule. In a flash she managed to get ready: she did her makeup while heading for the front door, glanced at the mirror, and slipped into a trench coat and ankle boots. Just three minutes after waking, she was already inside the lift.
Stepping onto the street, she noticed a light September drizzle, but there was no time to go back for an umbrella. The alarm had deceitfully failed her. Emilie sprinted to catch the bus, terrified at the thought of missing work. Her boss was unforgiving; a tardiness meant a lost day and the threat of dismissal.
Imagining every possible disaster the day might bring, she mentally said goodbye to her favorite clients, her bonus, and her remaining vacation day. The pedestrians, equally hurried, seemed lost in their own thoughts, indifferent to one another. Everything was gray and gloomy, and the rain only added to the mood.
A few hundred meters from the bus stop, Emilie halted abruptly, spotting a tiny, drenched kitten beside a worn bench. It tried to meow, but only a silent sigh escaped.
She hesitatedkeep running or help the helpless creature? She followed her heart, knowing she would have to face her bosss wrath regardless.
Getting closer, she saw that one of the kittens paws was twisted.
My God! Who did this to you? she whispered.
With doubts gone, she couldnt leave it. The shivering kitten was soaked to the bone. She gently lifted it into her white scarf and raced even faster toward the stop. She decided to bring it to the office and deal with the situation later; her generous heart wouldnt abandon the orphaned animal.
Her attempt to slip into work unnoticed failed. Just as she reached the doorway marked 12, her boss appeared around the corner.
Dupont! An hour late! Where were you? Who should have done your work? Whats wrong with you?
The barrage of questions amplified her guilt. Trembling and speechless, tears welled up, bitterness washing over her.
Look! she finally managed, unbuttoning her coat slightly. The kitten poked its sad little head out, now a bit warmed, emitting plaintive mews.
Its paw is injured; I couldnt leave it in the rain It was alone
Now tears streamed, her words stumbled, and her hands shook. Still reeling, she thought of quietly gathering her things and leaving. But a warm hand stopped her. Her boss pulled out his phone, wrote an address on a scrap of paper, and ordered her to go there immediately to save the little furry paw.
Surprised by his sudden change of tone, Emilie took the note, slipped her cold, reddened hands into her pocket, and rushed toward the exit.
And dont come back here, he said.
Emilies heart sank, yet before despair could take hold, her boss continued:
Today is your day off. Tomorrow as well. I commend your kindness and expect a bonus for your love of animals.
The man everyone knew as Sébastien Leclerc was rumored to be notoriously harsh. Yet at the veterinary clinic, the matter was settled quickly: the kittens paw wasnt broken, merely a severe sprain. While the vet bandaged it, Emilie recounted how she had found the animal and the unexpected intervention of her boss.
Laughing, the veterinarian revealed hed known Sébastien since childhood. He had always been a hero to animals, rescuing puppies from water and defending kittens from bullies. As an adult, he funded shelters with his earnings, a generosity that began with his very first scholarship.
With people, however, Sébastien had remained distant, a shift that occurred after a tragic loss of his family. This revelation struck Emilie deeply, and she thought of Sébastien for the rest of the day, feeling compelled to encourage him.
When evening came, the kitten curled comfortably on her bed as Emilie set up a little nook for her new friend. Shed named him Minou, a name she found perfect. Their tender moment was interrupted by a phone callit was Sébastien.
Hows our little patient doing?
Blushing, Emilie animatedly described the kittens condition and expressed her gratitude. Sébastien invited her to dinner, and they talked long into the night.
What brought them together was mutual understanding and a shared love for animals. Together they cared for Minou, soon turning their bond into a joint passion for rescuing animals in distress. solitude vanished for Emilie and her fourlegged companion, bringing joy and comfort to their new companionship.
Running Late! In just three minutes, she dashes into the bathroom, applies her makeup, slips on her coat and boots, and then grabs the lift.
