The Dream

Project

-Zain Danial-

"You seem to be in a good mood today, Carla," 

I hold open the cafe's door for Carla as she walked out and she gives me thanks as she does before walking with me to the company building. We decided to walk there today to wake us up since we had a long night planning for this afternoon. 

Carla chuckled a little at my comment, looking down and scratching the back of her neck a little nervously. "Well, the collaboration meeting with Monster is taking place today. I've been drinking that drink since I was a kid!" 

That sounded quite unhealthy and it seemed that as she said that, she noticed how it sounded too and looked to see my reaction that was to be expected. Concern. She avoided my gaze but her excitement was still present as she continued. "I've been dreaming of working with them forever. After this, I could die happy," Her eyes sparkled as she said that, they have been every time she spoke of the company, of the drink, the project. I can tell it means the world to her. 

I smiled along with her, I can tell it's a passion of hers beyond just a habit. It's what books are to some, what art is to others, what soulmates are to each other. It's love. 

But I couldn't help but have something nagging at the back of my mind. Her health. Was she looking after it at all? How bad was it? Why do I find myself caring so much about it? 

"I'd rather not have you die anytime soon, I'm quite the fan of my contract." 

---

We got into the company building and work started quickly. We were busy. Preparations going on all around me to make sure everything was perfect, more so than it usually is and I was in charge of it all. I had to make sure that the place was spotless, that everyone was scheduled right, that nothing would ruin the day because the sparkle in her eyes...I wanted them to remain forever. 

I quickly headed up to her office once everything was done. I knocked and walked in to see her standing and looking out into the city before turning to greet me with a grin. It was contagious now, making me grin right back at her. "Everything's ready," 

"They should be here in two hours." She straightened herself out a little before asking, "How do I look?" 

I looked her down and had to try and ignore the sweat that was starting to form behind my neck. She was wearing a skin-tight black dress that ended mid-thigh, showing off her curves, leaving many turning their heads at her when she was walking through the building before. On top of it, she wore a white blazer which also ended at her thigh. She looked faultless. 

"-Great," I replied, finally able to get my breath back but the reply was nowhere near satisfactory for how she looked. I wanted to say more but she had already taken what I gave her. 

"I'm glad. Oh and also..." She reached towards her desk a little slowly. She was nervous again but I didn't know why this time. She was about to take something out when there was a rush of knocks on her door which stops her. "Come in."

Inside comes rushing Angela. She was one of the head managers for the cooperation project. She's usually very down to Earth and organised but now she looked panicked, worried, scared. She's messed up somehow. "Angela?" Carla's the first to speak. "What's wrong?" 

Angela's silent for a second but eventually breaks open, "I'm so sorry, Miss Siddiki, the presentation i-it's gone!" 

My eyes widened and my head quickly snapped to Carla who was staring right at Angela, a sense of death and emptiness reaching her eyes. The sparkle was no longer in sight. Her words from before replayed in my head, 'I've been dreaming of working with them forever,' the images of her wide smile, her lit up face. But it was now nonexistent and before long, she snapped,