ONCE WE WERE US

The morning sun stretched across the city of Nairobi, painting the streets in a warm golden glow. Cars rushed past, people hurried to work and life moved with its usual rhythm. Yet,for Daisy it felt like just another ordinary day. At twenty -three, Daisy had learned to hide her worries behind a gentle smile. She had graduated from the University with high hopes, believing the world would welcome her with endless opportunities. Instead she found herself working as a cashier at a small neighborhood cafe called The Garden Brew, a cozy place tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop. She didn't hate the job.Infact, she loved the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the familiar faces of the regular customers. What she disliked was the feeling that her dreams had been placed on hold. Every morning,she woke before sunrise, caught two matatus to work, tied her curly hair into a neat ponytail, put on her green apron and greeted customers with the same cheerful words. " Good morning.Welcome to The Garden Brew." Most people smiled back. Some barely looked at her . Others simply grabbed their coffee and disappeared into the busy streets. Still, Daisy believed every day carried the possibility of something wonderful. She just didn't know that today would change her life forever. Across town, Kelvin adjusted the sleeves of his navy - blue shirt as he stepped out of a taxi. At twenty -five, life had never been easy for him either . After losing his father at a young age. He had become the man of the house, helping his mother raise his younger sister. Every success had come through determination and countless sleepless nights. He had recently secured a position as a junior architect at a respected construction company. It wasn't his dream job yet, but it was the beginning of the future he had promised himself and his family. His first assignment that morning was simple. Meet a client at a nearby office. Arrive early. Make good impression. Unfortunately, traffic had other plans. Checking his watch, Kelvin sighed. " I am going to be late " His stomach growled. He looked around and noticed a small cafe on the corner. The Garden Brew. " Coffee first." he whispered. He pushed open the wooden door.A small bell rang softly above him. The cafe smelled of roasted coffee beans, cinnamon and fresh pastries.Behind the counter stood a young woman arranging cups with quiet Concentration.She looked up.For a brief second, their eyes met. Neither of them spoke. Then Daisy smiled. " Good morning.Welcome to The Garden Brew." Kelvin smiled back. "Good morning,..I will have a cappuccino please." " Coming right up " As Daisy prepared his order, Kelvin couldn't help noticing how calmly she moved through the busy cafe, greeting customers with kindness even when they were impatient. She looked genuinely happy That was rare. Meanwhile, Daisy noticed the man waiting quietly by the counter. Unlike many customers who spent their time glued to their phones, he looked around the cafe, admiring the shelves filled with books and potted plants. There was something peaceful about him. She placed the cup gently on the counter. " one cappuccino." Kelvin reached for his wallet. At the same moment, Daisy accidentally knocked over the sugar jar. Packets scattered across the floor. " Oh no!" Before she could bend down, Kelvin was already helping gather them."I t's okay," he said with a laugh. "They are only sugar packets." Daisy laughed too. "I usually don't make mistake." " Maybe today wanted to be different." "Maybe." Their conversation lasted less than two minutes. Yet somehow, it felt longer. Warmer. As Kelvin paid for his coffee, his phone rang.He glanced at the screen. "My boss." He answered quickly. "Yes....... I'm on my way." After hanging up, he picked up his cup. "I should go." "Have a great day," Daisy said. "You too." Kelvin walked out into the busy street. Neither of them looked back immediately. But after taking a few steps both turned and their eyes met.