Running late! In three minutes she dashes into the bathroom, applies her makeup, throws on her coat and boots, then hops into the elevator.
Emilie jolted awake, already behind schedule. With astonishing speed she got ready: she did her makeup while heading for the front door, glanced at the mirror, 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 fine September drizzle, but there was no time to fetch an umbrella. The alarm had treacherously failed her. Emilie sprinted after the bus, the thought of missing work terrifying her. Her boss was unforgivingany tardiness was tantamount to a lost day, with the threat of dismissal looming.
Imagining every possible disaster the day might bring, Emilie had already mentally said goodbye to her favorite clients, her bonus, and her remaining day off. The hurried passersby seemed lost in their own thoughts, indifferent to one another. Everything was gray and gloomy, and the rain only worsened the mood.
A few hundred meters from the bus stop, she halted abruptly, spotting a tiny, drenched kitten beside a worn bench. It tried to meow in vain, its sounds reduced to silent sighs.
Emilie hesitated. Keep running or help the helpless creature? She listened to her heart, knowing she would have to face her bosss anger regardless.
Getting closer, she saw that one of the kittens paws was twisted.
My God! Who did this to you?
With doubt gone, she couldnt abandon it. The kitten shivered, soaked to the bone. She cradled it gently in her white scarf and raced even faster toward the bus stop. She decided to take the animal to the office and deal with the situation later. Her compassionate heart wouldnt leave the orphan behind.
Her attempt to slip into work unnoticed failed. Just as she reached the building, she spotted door number12 and ran into her supervisor around a corner.
Dupont! An hour late! Where were you? Who should have done your work? Whats wrong with you?
Questions rained down, and her guilt swelled. Trembling and speechless, tears welled up, bitterness flooding her.
Look! she finally managed, unbuttoning her coat slightly.
The kitten poked out its sad little head. Slightly warmed now, it let out a few plaintive mews.
Its paw is injured; I couldnt leave it in the rain It was alone
Tears streamed, her words tangled, her hands shaking. Still reeling, she thought about gathering her things and leaving quietly. But a warm hand stopped her. Her boss pulled out his phone, scribbled an address on a scrap of paper, and ordered her to go there immediately to save the tiny injured paw.
Surprised by the sudden shift, Emilie took the note, shoved her cold, reddened hands into her pocket, and hurried toward the exit.
And dont come back here, he added.
Emilies heart sank, but before despair could take over, her boss continued:
Today is your day off. Tomorrow, too. I commend your kindness and youll receive a bonus for your love of animals.
The man known around the office as SébastienLeclerc was famed for his legendary harshness. Yet at the veterinary clinic the matter was resolved quickly: the kittens leg wasnt broken, just a severe sprain. While the vet bandaged it, Emilie explained how shed found the little creature and the unexpected intervention of her boss.
Laughing, the veterinarian revealed hed known Sébastien since childhood. Hed 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 rooted in his very first scholarship.
With people, however, Sébastien had kept his distance, a change that followed the tragic loss of his family. This revelation struck Emilie deeply; she thought of Sébastien for the rest of the day, feeling a strong urge to encourage him.
When evening came, the kitten rested comfortably on her bed. Emilie was setting up a little nook for her new friend, whom shed named Minoua name she thought perfect. Her quiet moment was interrupted by a phone call; it was Sébastien.
Hows our little patient?
Blushing, Emilie answered animatedly about the kittens condition and expressed her gratitude. Sébastien invited her to dinner, and they talked late into the night.
Their bond grew from mutual understanding and a shared love for animals. Together they cared for Minou and soon teamed up to rescue distressed animals. Loneliness left Emilie and her fourlegged companion, replaced by joy and comfort in their newfound companionship.
Running Late! In Just Three Minutes, She Dashes into the Bathroom, Applies Her Makeup, Throws on Her Coat and Boots, and Then Catches the Lift.
