Regaining consciousness in the intensive care unit, the wealthy man overheard his wife’s conversation on the phone…

First, James made himself breakfast, simple yet delicious and nutritious. He poured himself orange juice and quickly fried eggs with bacon. Then he spent a few minutes doing gymnastics to fully awaken his body and get his muscles back to normal.

Trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, he never insisted on his views and never forced his spouse to follow his example. Everyone is different, and Grace was no exception. James, for example, was a vegetarian and didn’t consume animal products.

At the same time, he understood perfectly well that he had no right to judge people who ate meat. Taking a tray with prepared breakfast, James stepped out onto the spacious terrace and sat down at the table. Due to winter, the terrace was enclosed, with a small fireplace crackling in the corner.

Enjoying the fresh morning air and silence, he thought about the plans for the day to make sure he could accomplish everything that was planned. Grace was still asleep at such times, which made James feel slightly lonely. After breakfast, the businessman dressed in his favorite business suit and headed to work.

He always tried to arrive before opening time to see who arrived on time, and who, on the contrary, was late. He didn’t like lateness, although he didn’t rush to judge those who did it out of necessity, like the dishwasher, Emma, who lived on the other side of the city and had to take the bus to get to work. James knew very well that the transportation on this route was very unreliable, especially in bad weather, when the city’s usual rhythm was disrupted, and municipal workers had to deal with the consequences of the elements.

So it happened on that fateful day, when snow began in the morning. At first it fell leisurely, swirling in miniature whirlwinds, born from strong gusts of wind. Then it transitioned into an active phase, quickly dressing the roofs of houses in white caps.

James loved such weather, although he knew that today’s revenue would be weak. When a blizzard rages outside, city residents don’t rush to restaurants to have dinner with a glass of something delicious and aromatic. Parking the car at the entrance, James raised the collar of his coat and momentarily left the realm of comfort and coziness.

A sharp gust of wind immediately threw a handful of snow in his face, making him shiver and quicken his pace. The janitor, Henry, was already busy with his shovel, hurrying to clear the steps before the restaurant owner arrived. Seeing the owner, the elderly man raised his hand in a welcoming gesture.

Good morning, Mr. Williams. The snow’s come today, of course, and it’ll keep coming. It really makes your bones ache.

Good morning, Henry. Are you still fighting the snow alone? I told the security guard to help you in such moments, James remarked, but the janitor just waved it off. Oh, come on, it’s fine, I can manage, James, I’m used to it.

You know, it’s like exercise for me. A couple of swings with the shovel and my body feels normal again. The businessman smiled.

Exercise, you say? Well, hand me that shovel. I’ll warm up right now, get the blood flowing. The janitor tried to protest, but the young manager stood firm and didn’t calm down until he took away the much-needed tool from him in the blizzard.

People passing by the restaurant looked with surprise at the respectable businessman who skillfully wielded a shovel, clearing the steps of snow. Henry nodded respectfully. I see you’re quite skilled at this, James…