The lights hanging overhead were shining brightly as William sat at his cluttered desk, tapping away at his keyboard. He was finalizing yet another project document, lost in the rhythm of yet another ordinary day. Outside, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow through the window as he stole a glance at the time on his computer.
Time was slipping away, and it was nearing the appointed time for his meeting with his manager. He had been informed earlier, but still he pondered about the motive of the meeting, perhaps it was regarding another new project? Or perhaps a performance review?
He worked in a small branch office, with only eight others here. While work was decent, and the environment felt somewhat intimate, there were always those times when he was uncertain, much like feeling out of place. The environment was spacious, with windows around.
William took a deep breath, he glanced around the office. His co-workers were mostly absorbed in their tasks, working away at their respective projects.
Given it was time, he straightened his back and smoothed his shirt as he stood up from his desk. He walked towards the manager's office at the end of the hallway. Each step he took made him much more nervous.
He knocked softly on the door and waited promptly for a response before opening the door.
"Come in."
The door revealed his manager, Lucy, who had a warm smile on her face. It eased some of William's nervousness.
Lucy is a young woman in her late 20's, with sleek black hair cascading down her shoulders. Her deep brown eyes were expressive, her smile was warm and friendly. It can be seen that she makes a careful effort to keep her body in shape. She is often seen dressing in stylish yet comfortable attire, which reflects her vibrant personality.
And usually, Willian had no issue speaking with her, unless it was for a formal occasion like now.
Inside the small office, a sofa sat against the right wall with a small oval glass table in front, used for accommodating guests and sometimes short discussions with staff. Surrounding the rooms were cabinets filled with files and documents. In the middle of it, Lucy sat at her desk where she did her work. Two sets of windows framed behind the table, the curtains set up in a way to block most of the sunlight, letting only a cozy glow through.
Lucy nodded in acknowledgment of William's arrival, signaling him to take a seat, which he promptly did.
"You don't have to be so nervous," Lucy said with a soft giggle. "I called you here mainly to pass on praises."
William visibly relaxed at her words, relief that it wasn't something bad to befall him.
"You have been doing some exceptional work," She began. "Your efforts and dedication haven't gone unnoticed, as were the results brought by the projects you handled. Especially considering the challenges we've faced recently. The late nights and all the extra efforts, it's all appreciated."
She stops talking briefly, allowing the moment to settle before continuing. "While we are only a branch office, and it may not seem like much. I do want you to know that the impact of your work on recent projects has earned you a promotion to senior."
William was astonished, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. His heart raced with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. It took him a moment before he was able to respond.
"Thank you." As he voiced out, he felt his excitement calming down, replaced by a sense of accomplishment.
Lucy nods at him, pleased with his reaction. "You may leave work early today, and take the day off tomorrow too. Consider this an additional benefit."
"Thanks!" William replied, a smile seen across his face.
"You did a good job, Will, enough to impress the headquarters. Do keep up the good work once you're back." Lucy drops her serious tone, no longer his manager, but a friend congratulating him.
As he exited the room, a wave of happiness washed over him, knowing that his hard work had been acknowledged. Everyone liked being praised, and he was no exception. As he returned to his table, a few colleagues looked up, curious about the meeting. They had a small chat, sharing his good news before he gathered his items and left for home.
* * *
The next day, he woke up feeling refreshed. He was about to get ready for work before he remembered that he didn't need to get into the office today.
After having some cereal and toast for breakfast, he decided to celebrate his promotion by going shopping. He wanted to get something special to commemorate his achievements today. While it is not much for most people, he felt like every little thing should be celebrated. Life is harsh, so it would be better if we could enjoy all the little things happening around us.
What's more, it was the first time he had ever received praise for working. He was grateful to be able to stumble upon this job, escaping the lifeless days of just working to the point of mental exhaustion.
Before this, when he was working in his first company, it was a nightmare. Apart from the toxic environment, employees were expected to work overtime. Taking a vacation was frowned upon, to the point where even requesting sick leave was met with disdain.
Shaking his head to prevent negative thoughts from ruining his day, he decided not to think too much about the past. He was grateful for the life given by the current workplace and the supportive environment it offered. Although work was busy, it was not punishing his health.
Time flew by, and by the afternoon, he realized he still hadn't found the special commemorative gift he had hoped for. He had only picked up some clothing and necessities. After stowing his newly bought items in the car, he decided to stroll through the older section of the town, hoping to find something before the end of the day.
As he passed by a series of shops, frustration began to creep in as nothing had caught his eyes yet. Just as he was about to give up, something made him stop. He turned to look into the small shop next to him.
Walking directly towards the glass cabinet that had captured his attention, as he drew closer, he saw it. A crystal locket featuring a blood-red crystal that seemed to pulse with a subtle energy. The locket itself bore the marks of age, he could see the item was old. At the same time, he felt an inexplicable pull toward it, as if it were calling out to him.
His eyes were glued to the locket, its beauty captivated him.
"Would you like to purchase it?"
The voice snapped him back to reality. He looks up to find an old man peering at him from behind the counter.
