Saving one life again

"Lily stands behind the charming coffee bar, her mind preoccupied with the tumultuous events from the night before. Mindful of the bruises adorning her slender face and neck, Lily gazes up from behind the bar only to spot sees Beerus, a regular customer, entering through the cafe's wooden doors. Lily knows Beerus's order and promptly begins preparing it." Lily: "Hello, Beerus... the usual, right? A venti triple-shot Ethiopian Yigacheffe pour-over, brewed at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, featuring freshly ground medium-coarse coffee beans, a water TDS of 120ppm, and precisely executed clockwise circular pour technique, each pour lasting 20 seconds in six increments." "As Lily deftly slides Beerus's customary order across the counter, Lily subtly adjusts her hair, inadvertently drawing attention to the bruises on her neck."

"Lily flinches at the sudden question, her eyes darting down to the bruises on her neck. Clearing her throat nervously, she attempts to deflect the inquiry." "What happened to my neck? Oh... it's nothing really. Just a minor accident I had at home..." "Lily averts her gaze and busies herself with straightening some cutlery."

"At the mention of her boyfriend, Lily's body language visibly changes. She straightens her back and clenches her fists, attempting to hide her fear." "My boyfriend is...fine... why do you ask?" "Lily avoids eye contact and starts to play with the hem of her apron nervously."

"Lily's eyes dart around the coffee shop frantically, clearly stressed by the situation. She wipes her hands on her apron before clasping them together in front of her." "He's not here right now... he left early this morning and said he had some business to attend to." "Lily bites her lower lip nervously as she waits for your response."

"Lily's nervousness grows at your insistent questioning. She hesitates for a moment before answering." "He... he's at home... I'm sure he didn't mean to hurt me, he just gets angry sometimes and..." "Lily trails off, averting her gaze once more."

"Lily's eyes follow you as you leave, clearly still nervous and unsure of the situation. She watches you go for a moment before turning to attend to other customers in the coffee shop."

"As you knock on the door, there's no answer at first. After a few moments, you hear shuffling coming from inside before the door creaks open." "What do you want?" "Lily's boyfriend stands in the doorway, his usually impeccable appearance disheveled."

"Lily's boyfriend struggles against your grip, but is unable to break free." "I...I don't know what you're talking about! I would never hurt her!" "His voice trembles as he speaks, clearly afraid of your anger."

"Lily's boyfriend gasps for breath as you hold him up, his eyes filling with terror." "Okay... okay... I hit her... but she deserved it! She's always so bossy and nagging, she needed to be put in her place!" "He spits out the words desperately as he struggles against your grip."

"Lily's boyfriend doesn't resist as you cuff him and lead him out of the apartment. He seems to have given up, defeated by the situation." As you escort him to the car, a few onlookers on the street pause to watch the commotion, but quickly move on when they realize the situation is under control.*

"As you leave the police station, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Lily's abusive partner is being taken care of. You make your way back to the coffee shop, where Lily greets you with a hesitant smile." "I... I can't thank you enough for what you did. You saved me... I don't know how to repay you." "She speaks softly, still seeming nervous and unsure."

"Lily nods, clearly still feeling a bit shaken from the events earlier." "Of course... the usual... right away." "She turns to prepare your coffee, her movements a bit more hesitant than before."

"Lily looks up at you, her eyes brimming with tears." "It's... it's not that easy. I don't have anyone... no friends or family to support me. And I... I blame myself for letting it happen." "Her voice is tremulous as she speaks, clearly feeling overwhelmed."

"Lily looks at you, her eyes widening in surprise." "Really? You... you would do that for me?" "She seems almost hesitant to believe it, wary of getting her hopes up."

"Lily's smile grows, her previous nervousness fading away." "Thank you... thank you so much. I... I'd really appreciate that." "She hands you your coffee with a grateful look, and as you take it, you can't help but notice a small bruise still visible beneath her shirt collar."

"Lily watches as you leave, feeling a sense of relief knowing that someone is offering to help her. She goes back to her work, her mind in a whirl from the day's events and her thoughts drifting to what the future might hold."

"Lily looks up, surprised to see you there once again." "I... I think so. I feel... ready for a change." "She looks at you with a mix of uncertainty and hope, clearly eager to hear more about what you have in mind."

"Lily looks around the elegant restaurant, her eyes wide with wonder." "Wow... this place is beautiful. Thank you, Beerus. I... I don't know what to say."

"I'm 26 years old, and I studied business management in college for two years before dropping out due to financial difficulties. My parents don't support my decision to leave college and move to this city, but I wanted to pursue my dream of opening my own coffee shop one day. I live in a small apartment downtown, not too far from the cafe where I work." "Lily fidgets with her napkin, looking a little unsure about sharing so much personal information."

"Lily looks at you with a newfound appreciation, impressed by your credentials." "Wow, that's really impressive! You must have seen and experienced a lot with your job." "Her eyes drift to her food, feeling grateful for the meal and the conversation."

"Lily's face lights up as she speaks about her passion for coffee." "It's going... slowly, but surely. I've been saving up money to eventually open my own shop, and I've been taking online courses to learn more about coffee bean sourcing and roasting." "She takes a sip of her drink, savoring the sweet, fruity taste of the juice." "It's been a challenge, especially with my current situation, but I'm determined to make it work."

"Lily smiles, enjoying the idea of traveling to explore more about coffee." "Naples... that sounds amazing. Maybe someday I can take a trip there." "She takes a bite of her meal, appreciating the taste and ambiance of the restaurant." "Thank you, Beerus, for believing in me and my dreams. It means a lot to have someone who supports me."

"Lily appears contemplative as she listens to your suggestion." "Yes, I have been thinking about reaching out to investors or seeking funding options. It's just... a little intimidating, if I'm honest. I don't have much experience with the business side of things. But I know it's something I need to do if I want to make my dream a reality." "She finishes her meal, taking one last sip of her drink before looking up at you." "Do you have any advice?"

"Lily's expression lights up as she takes the business card from you and reads it over." "Wow, Beerus, thank you so much! I really appreciate your help and support." "She stands up from her seat, feeling energized and motivated to take the next steps towards her goal." "I'll give them a call right away and let them know you sent me." "With a final wave goodbye, Lily leaves the cafe, eager to start a new chapter in her life."

Of course, you are correct. It's important to follow the law and not resort to violence unless in self-defense. Thank you for the reminder.