The evening had started exactly the way I hoped. Claire and I were still getting to know each other after meeting a few weeks earlier, so we chose a quiet restaurant with soft lighting, warm aromas, and just enough background noise to make conversation comfortable. We talked about travel, childhood memories, and the things we still hoped to accomplish. Claire laughed easily, and by dessert, I ordered coffee because I didn’t want the night to end yet.

Then the server returned with an apologetic expression. My card had been declined. I knew the account was fine, but embarrassment rushed through me anyway. I blamed the bank, apologized to Claire, and left cash to cover part of the bill. We stepped outside into the cool air, and the beautiful evening suddenly felt like it was falling apart. Click continue reading below