El sol de la tarde se colaba por las ventanas del café en Buenos Aires, llenando el lugar de una luz cálida que contrastaba con el frío del invierno afuera.

The afternoon sun was filtering through the windows of the café in Buenos Aires, filling the place with a warm light that contrasted with the cold winter outside.

Mateo estaba sentado en una de las mesas de madera, su laptop abierta frente a él, y una taza de café humeante al lado.

Mateo was sitting at one of the wooden tables, his laptop open in front of him, and a steaming cup of coffee beside him.

El aroma a café recién hecho era reconfortante, pero su cabeza comenzó a latir con cada sorbo.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee was comforting, but his head began to throb with each sip.

Mateo era un diseñador gráfico apasionado por su trabajo.

Mateo was a graphic designer passionate about his work.

Sin embargo, últimamente, el estrés y la falta de equilibrio en su vida lo estaban afectando.

However, lately, the stress and lack of balance in his life were affecting him.

Había noches en las que apenas dormía, y los plazos laborales parecían una montaña que se volvía más alta cada día.

There were nights when he barely slept, and work deadlines seemed like a mountain that grew taller every day.

No le hacía caso a su salud, pero algo estaba cambiando.

He was neglecting his health, but something was changing.

Sentía un dolor en la cabeza que se intensificaba, acompañado de un mareo inesperado.

He felt a headache that intensified, accompanied by unexpected dizziness.

Al principio, Mateo pensó que sería algo pasajero, quizás por falta de sueño o tal vez por tanto café.

At first, Mateo thought it was something temporary, perhaps due to lack of sleep or maybe too much coffee.

Sin embargo, al intentar levantarse para pedir una aspirina, el mundo a su alrededor pareció inclinarse.

However, when he tried to stand up to ask for an aspirin, the world around him seemed to tilt.

Sudaba frío en medio de aquel acogedor café.

He was sweating cold in the middle of that cozy café.

En ese instante, recordó las palabras de Carmen, su mejor amiga.

At that moment, he remembered the words of Carmen, his best friend.

Carmen era estudiante de medicina, siempre preocupada por él, insistiéndole en que se cuidara.

Carmen was a medical student, always worried about him, insisting that he take care of himself.

Mateo sacó su teléfono, sus dedos temblorosos, y decidió llamarla.

Mateo took out his phone, his fingers trembling, and decided to call her.

Se sentía un poco avergonzado.

He felt a bit embarrassed.

"No quiero molestarla por una simple jaqueca", pensó.

"I don't want to bother her for a simple headache," he thought.

Pero algo en su intuición le pedía hacer esa llamada.

But something in his intuition urged him to make that call.

Carmen llegó rápido.

Carmen arrived quickly.

Lleva siempre una calidez en su sonrisa, incluso cuando está preocupada.

She always carried a warmth in her smile, even when she was worried.

Al entrar al café, vio a Mateo, su color de piel más pálido de lo usual.

Upon entering the café, she saw Mateo, his skin paler than usual.

Mateo intentó tranquilizarla, pero al levantarse para saludar, casi se desplomó.

Mateo tried to reassure her, but when he stood up to greet her, he almost collapsed.

"Vamos al hospital ahora mismo, Mateo", insistió Carmen, sin aceptar ninguna objeción.

"We're going to the hospital right now, Mateo," insisted Carmen, accepting no objection.

Ante su mirada férrea y decidida, Mateo accedió, aunque con algo de recelo.

Faced with her firm and determined gaze, Mateo agreed, albeit somewhat reluctantly.

En el hospital, después de varios exámenes, los médicos confirmaron lo que Carmen había sospechado: Mateo estaba sufriendo de estrés excesivo.

At the hospital, after several tests, the doctors confirmed what Carmen had suspected: Mateo was suffering from excessive stress.

No era nada grave todavía, pero requería atención inmediata.

It was not serious yet, but it required immediate attention.

Debía descansar y equilibrar su vida, o las consecuencias serían peores.

He needed to rest and balance his life, or the consequences would be worse.

Esa noche, mientras se acurrucaba en su cama, Mateo entendió algo importante.

That night, as he curled up in his bed, Mateo understood something important.

No podía seguir ignorando su salud por cumplir con los plazos de trabajo.

He couldn't keep ignoring his health to meet work deadlines.

Era importante saber cuándo detenerse y revaluar las prioridades.

It was important to know when to stop and reevaluate priorities.

Decidió tomarse un tiempo para sí mismo, dejar de lado el estrés y escuchar más a Carmen.

He decided to take some time for himself, put stress aside, and listen more to Carmen.

Ella le recordó que su bienestar físico y mental era lo primero.

She reminded him that his physical and mental well-being came first.

Con el tiempo, Mateo aprendió a gestionar sus tareas laborales y a disfrutar de los pequeños momentos, como el aroma a café en una tarde de invierno.

Over time, Mateo learned to manage his workload and enjoy the small moments, like the smell of coffee on a winter afternoon.

Así, su vida recobró un ritmo más tranquilo y saludable, en gran parte gracias a la amiga inquebrantable que siempre le recordaba ver por su bienestar.

Thus, his life regained a more peaceful and healthy rhythm, largely thanks to his steadfast friend who always reminded him to look out for his well-being.