I stir my steaming hot coffee with milk, before holding it with my shivering, icy hands, readying myself for the very first sip. It’s sort of a daily ritual for me. The quality of my first sip from this fresh brew determines how my day at work will be. I take a sip and pause, then I gag and spit it back in the cup, noting the unpleasant taste. I place the cup on the table to check the milk carton. To my dismay, I discover that its contents have expired. Looks like it’s going to be a shitty Monday.

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