Card Declined

Jessica handed over a second card, but Chloe could already see the frayed edge of the story — the financial panic buried under the polished exterior. The second card beeped red too. “I’m sorry,” Chloe said again, gently this time. Jessica’s cheeks flushed crimson. Her posture faltered, and for the first time, she seemed unsure of what to do with her hands. “That’s— I just paid my bill at lunch yesterday. It has to be—” She stopped. Her voice thinned. Chloe waited. She didn’t enjoy this moment; it wasn’t the justice she’d once imagined. It was just… sad. Jessica took a shaky breath. “I can transfer something. It’ll just take a minute.” “It’s okay,” Chloe said, lowering her voice. “Don’t worry about it.” Jessica looked up, startled. “What?” “I said don’t worry. It’s covered.” Jessica stared at her, eyes glassy. “You don’t have to do that.” “I know,” Chloe said softly. “But I’m doing it anyway.”