When Joe rushed into the smartphone store, frantic over his distorted selfies, I had no idea that a simple camera fix would lead to a life-changing moment.
It was a regular day at the smartphone store. The usual crowd of customers came in, each with their own unique issues. Some were here to set up new phones, others needed help with technical problems. My job was to help them all, whether it was something as simple as transferring contacts or as tricky as fixing a phone that wouldn’t turn on.
Consultant in the store | Source: Midjourney
I’d been doing this for a while now, so not much surprised me. People came in stressed about their phones all the time, but I knew how to handle it. And I liked the work. There was something satisfying about solving problems and sending people on their way with their devices working as they should.
A scared man in a mobile store | Source: Midjourney
He looked to be in his late 40s, maybe early 50s. His hair was slightly graying, with strands falling across his forehead as if he’d been running his hands through it. His shirt was untucked, and his tie was loose and hanging at an odd angle around his neck. He had the look of someone who had been through the wringer.
He was practically running toward the counter, his face flushed, eyes wide with panic. He clutched his phone like it was a lifeline, his knuckles white from the grip.
A man holding a phone | Source: Midjourney
“You need to give me a new phone!” Joe almost shouted, waving his phone in the air like it was about to explode. “This one you sold me a few days ago is broken! My phone’s camera is totally messed up, and I need a decent photo right now!”
I tried to stay calm. Something about Joe’s urgency made me pay closer attention. “Let’s take a look at what’s going on,” I said, motioning for him to hand me the phone.
Man stretches out his hand with his phone...
