Emma wasn’t looking for love — she was just trying to find oat milk.
But fate had other plans.
As she reached for the last carton on the shelf, her hand bumped into someone else’s.
“Oh—sorry,” she said, locking eyes with a guy in a hoodie and earbuds.
“No worries,” he smiled. “Go ahead.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I’m not about to start World War III over almond milk.”
Emma laughed. “It’s oat.”
He shrugged. “Same war, different milk.”
They ran into each other again by the cereal, then the checkout line.
“This is getting weird,” she said.
“Or maybe,” he replied, “we’re just on the same wavelength.”
Before she could answer, her bag ripped and apples rolled everywhere.
He helped her gather them. “You really have your hands full, huh?”
Emma groaned. “Story of my life.”
As they walked out, he said, “Wanna grab coffee?”
She hesitated, then smiled. “Why not? Worst-case scenario, it’s bad coffee.”
He laughed. “That’s the spirit.”
Idioms Used in the Story
1. Start World War III
Meaning: To start a huge argument or conflict over something minor.
Examples:
- Let’s not start World War III over pizza toppings.
- She almost started World War III over a parking space.
2. On the same wavelength
Meaning: To think or feel the same way as someone else.
Examples:
- We clicked instantly — we’re on the same wavelength.
- I love working with her, we’re always on the same wavelength.
3. Have your hands full
Meaning: To be very busy or overwhelmed.
Examples:
- With three kids, she really has her hands full.
- He’s got his hands full with two jobs and school.
4. Worst-case scenario
Meaning: The most negative or serious possible outcome.
Examples:
- Worst-case scenario, we miss the train and take a cab.
- Plan for the worst-case scenario, just in case.
5. That’s the spirit
Meaning: Used to encourage a positive or brave attitude.
Examples:
- “I’ll try again.” “That’s the spirit!”
- “I guess I can laugh about it now.” “That’s the spirit.”