I’m severely allergic to dairy, so I bring labeled oat milk to work to avoid any health issues. However, my oat milk kept mysteriously disappearing from the fridge.

Frustrated by the repeated theft, I decided to fill one carton with toothpaste as a prank. The next day, I heard someone gagging in the breakroom.

It turned out to be Clara, the new hire, who was drinking my oat milk because she was skipping meals to support her brother. I felt terrible after learning about her situation.

She apologized, saying she didn’t think a little milk would make a difference. My petty revenge clashed with her quiet struggle.

Feeling compassion, I bought Clara lunch, and it became a routine where we connected and talked. After that, the oat milk was never touched again.

The situation taught me that understanding and kindness can be far more powerful than retaliation.