Should Meaning

Samantha had been working tirelessly for hours, pouring over documents for the upcoming business presentation. Her colleague, Mark, walked by and stopped when he saw the exhaustion on her face. "Samantha, you should take a break. You’ve been at this for hours," Mark suggested, his tone filled with concern. She looked up, her eyes red from the strain. "I can’t. This presentation is crucial. I should have started earlier," Samantha replied, her voice tinged with regret. Mark leaned against the desk, trying to offer a different perspective. "You should not worry so much. You’ve prepared well. Just relax for a bit, and you’ll do great," he said, giving her an encouraging smile. Despite her doubt, Samantha knew Mark was right. A brief rest could make all the difference. She closed her eyes for a moment, thinking about what Mark had said. As she rested, her mind wandered back to a conversation she'd had with her older brother the previous evening. "You should go home more often," he had told her, concerned about her lack of personal time. Samantha had brushed it off, but now she realized how true his words were. Family was important, and she hadn't visited in weeks. The clock ticked away, and soon it was time for the presentation. Samantha felt refreshed, a new sense of clarity replacing her earlier anxiety. She was ready to face the room full of executives. As she stood at the front, giving her presentation, she noticed the calm confidence that had come from taking Mark's advice. She finished early, the audience impressed with her preparation and poise. Afterward, Mark approached her. "I told you, you should have taken a break. See?" he said, smiling. Samantha laughed, grateful for his timely advice. She knew she had more to learn from her colleagues and, perhaps, from her brother, too. The day ended with Samantha reflecting on Mark’s words. She realized there were many things she ‘should’ do more often: take breaks, visit family, and trust in herself a little more.