You are in an English discussion group, and it is your turn to introduce a story.

You have found a story in an English language magazine in Japan.

You are preparing notes for your presentation.

Maki’s Kitchen

“Irasshai-made,” said Maki as two customers entered her restaurant, Maki’s Kitchen.

Maki had joined her family business at the age of 19 when her father became ill.

After he recovered, Maki decided to continue.

Eventually, Maki’s parents retired and she became the owner.

Maki had many regular customers who came not only for the delicious food, but also to sit at the counter and talk to her.

Although her business was doing very well, Maki occasionally daydreamed about doing something different.

“Can we sit at the counter?” she heard.

It was her old friends, Takuya and Kasumi.

A phone call a few weeks earlier from Kasumi to Takuya had given them the idea to visit Maki and surprise her.

Takuya’s phone vibrated, and he saw a familiar name, Kasumi.

"Kasumi!"

Hi Takuya, I saw you in the newspaper. Congratulations!”

"Thanks. Hey, you weren’t at our 20th high school reunion last month.”

“No, I couldn’t make it! I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since we graduated.

Actually, I was calling to ask if you’ve seen Maki recently.”

Takuya’s family had moved to Kawanaka Town shortly before he started high school.

He joined the drama club, where he met Maki and Kasumi.

The three became inseparable.

After graduation, Takuya left Kawanaka to become an actor, while Maki and Kasumi remained.

Maki had decided she wanted to study at university and enrolled in a preparatory school.

Kasumi, on the other hand, started her career.

Takuya tried out for various acting roles but was constantly rejected; eventually, he quit.

Exactly one year after graduation, Takuya returned to Kawanaka with his dreams destroyed.

He called Maki, who offered her sympathy.

He was surprised to learn that Maki had abandoned her plan to attend university because she had to manage her family’s restaurant.

Her first day of work had been the day he called.

For some reason, Takuya could not resist giving Maki some advice.

“Maki, I’ve always thought your family’s restaurant should change the coffee it serves.

I think people in Kawanaka want a bolder flavor.

“I’d be happy to recommend a different brand,” he said.

“Takuya, you really know your coffee.

Hey, I was walking by Cafe Kawanaka and saw a help-wanted sign.

You should apply!"

Maki replied.

Takuya was hired by Cafe Kawanaka and became fascinated by the science of coffee making.

On the one-year anniversary of his employment, Takuya was talking to Maki at her restaurant.

“Maki,” he said, “do you know what my dream is?”

“It must have something to do with coffee.”

“That’s right! It’s to have my own coffee business.”

“I can’t imagine a better person for it. What are you waiting for?”

Maki’s encouragement inspired Takuya.

He quit his job, purchased a coffee bean roaster, and began roasting beans.

Maki had a sign in her restaurant saying, “We proudly serve Takuya’s Coffee,” and this publicity helped the coffee gain popularity in Kawanaka.

Takuya started making good money selling his beans.

Eventually, he opened his own cafe and became a successful business owner.

Kasumi was reading the newspaper when she saw the headline:

TAKUYA’S CAFE ATTRACTING TOURISTS TO KAWANAKA TOWN.

“Who would have thought that Takuya would be so successful?”

Kasumi thought to herself as she reflected on her past.

In the high school drama club, Kasumi’s duty was to put make-up on the actors.

No one could do it better than her.

Maki noticed this and saw that a cosmetics company called Beautella was advertising for salespeople.

She encouraged Kasumi to apply, and, after graduation, she became an employee of Beautella.

The work was tough;

Kasumi went door to door selling cosmetics.

On bad days, she would call Maki, who would lift her spirits.

One day, Maki had an idea, “Doesn’t Beautella do make-up workshops?

I think you are more suited for that.

You can show people how to use the make-up.

They’ll love the way they look and buy lots of cosmetics!”

Kasumi’s company agreed to let her do workshops, and they were a hit!

Kasumi’s sales were so good that eight months out of high school, she had been promoted, moving to the big city of Ishijima.