At a Starbucks on the corner of Hollywood and Western in Los Angeles, a blogger sits cheerfully, tapping at a keyboard. An empty cup of Starbucks Blended Lemonade sits next to him, as it has for the past three hours.

This empty cup is his ticket stub, his proof-of-entitlement to use the oh-so familiar Starbucks facilities and wifi signal.

Often times he finds himself in this position, feeling only slightly guilty about having spent a collective five hours in various starbucks locations throughout the day, and wishing his money was going to a less corperate entity…or even better, not leaving his wallet at all.

On this occasion, it happened that a group of Germans took seats next to him. He sits silently for a long time, wondering whether to say hello. Finally, a confused outburst of frustration was heard from one of them. Obviously startled and concerned, a Starbucks employee runs over to see what could be the matter.

“I don’t know what is this VuiFui?”

The employee looks confused. The young man sitting on his laptop speaks up: “I know a little German, perhaps I can help?”

To his surprise, he is able to help. With his minimal knowledge of the German language, he manages (with a few made-up words he was simply making stabbing guesses at) to explain to them how the system works. Within minutes they are up and running. The young man returns to his work.

Three lines and fifteen minutes later on the brown-backed clock on the wall, the Starbucks employee returns, but this time, speaks to the young man.

“Thank you for helping me, I wanted you to have this…”

It was, at first glance not what he would have expected someone to hand him in an act of grattitude.

“A cup should never be half-empty.” is printed on its front.

Upon opening it, more pleasant words are found:

“The next time we see you, please enjoy a beverage, on us.”

“SWEET! Free frappucino!” he thinks, smiling greatfully at the Starbucks employee/angel.

“Thank you. This means alot to me.”