By: Pamela Love.

“Let’s get started,” said the CEO. “First, coffee. I think Sandra Franz should make it.”

“She’s the obvious choice,” my boss agreed. He turned to me. “Sandra?”

My heart began to pound as if I had just chugged five espressos. Throughout the crowded conference room, heads, mostly gray, were nodding. I was the only woman present. They all knew about my doctorate in biochemistry. Under the circumstances, there could be only one answer.

Taking a deep breath, I stood. “Thank you, everyone. I’m honored to be chosen as the genetic engineer who will recreate the coffee plant after its extinction.”

© 2026. Pamela Love

Pamela Love turned to writing after working as a teacher and in marketing.