A single iced Americano is enough for a scorching Wednesday afternoon. His department is busy as a beaver, the room filled with the shuffling of papers, clicking of keyboards, and the sound of ballpoint pens writing. His colleagues are all occupied with their work, and Saint is no exception. He is currently preparing financial reports for their company.
Saint might be an introvert and a reserved person, but he takes his work seriously and sincerely. Most of his co-workers find him unapproachable due to his aloof personality; only his closest colleagues feel comfortable casually approaching him.
While his concentration was fixed on the monitor of his computer, a ringing telephone startled him. He immediately answered the call.
"Hello, Saint Suppapong speaking."
"Come to my office, Saint."
"Yes, ma'am."
He wrapped up whatever he was working on his computer and soon shut it down. He arranged the scattered papers on his table and grabbed his half-empty iced Americano. Then he went over to Zol's table, the CFO in their department, and informed her that the boss had summoned him.
He made his way to the CEO's office, exchanging shy greetings with some employees and staff along the way. Saint was popular among the workers in the company, admired for his looks, charismatic charm, and dedication to his work.
As he approached the elevator, an old lady janitress stopped him.
"Sir, you're sipping on an empty cup," she pointed out, gesturing to his completely empty coffee.
"Oh, I didn't realize," Saint chuckled, crumpling the plastic cup and tossing it into the small bin the janitress was carrying.
"Miss Olive, I told you to call me by my name," Saint gently reminded her.
"Alright, alright, SAINT," Miss Olive emphasized his name and grinned, earning a smile from Saint.
"Where are you heading this time, Saint?" Miss Olive asked, pressing the elevator button for him.
"To see the boss," Saint sighed.
"Madam summoned you again?" Miss Olive quipped.
"Yeah, for the 50th time this week," Saint replied with a hint of disbelief.
"Her favorite pastime is complaining," Miss Olive teased, and they both laughed as Saint pressed the button for floor 8, where his boss's office was located, and Miss Olive pressed floor 5 for herself.
Miss Olive had become Saint's close friend ever since he started working at the company. He was easily attached to the old lady because she reminded him of his late grandmother. Miss Olive, over 60 years old, was the same age his grandmother had been when she passed away. Over the years, she had shared with him stories about her life and work at the company. She had been a part of the company for 25 years, giving her a deep understanding of the building and its people.
Saint appreciated Miss Olive's wisdom and companionship. She often gave him advice and cheered him up with her wit and stories. They had developed a special bond that made his workdays brighter and more enjoyable.
He arrived on the eighth floor where his boss's office was located. Approaching the assistant outside the office, he inquired if the boss was still inside. The young lady nodded in affirmation and instructed him to knock before entering. He softly knocked on the two-way wooden door. Initially, there was no response, so he knocked again. This time, a voice from inside said, "Come in." He carefully opened the door to find a middle-aged woman standing by the huge glass window, engaged in a phone conversation.
Saint discreetly averted his gaze, not wanting to intrude but unable to ignore the heartfelt conversation unfolding before him. The CEO's voice carried a mix of emotions, from longing to sadness, as she spoke softly into the phone.
"I already ordered flowers for him..." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the depth of her feelings. "Yeah honey, I miss him very much too... Me too, I still can't believe it..."
Saint realized the conversation was deeply personal, likely about someone significant who was dearly missed. He shifted uncomfortably, feeling like an inadvertent witness to a private moment.
"Yeah...Okay. Don't worry..."
"See you next week, honey..."
Saint's heart softened with empathy as he pieced together the CEO's situation. Understanding now that it was likely her husband on the phone, away on a prolonged business trip, he felt a pang of sympathy for her loneliness and longing.
"I love you too..."
As the CEO hung up the phone and turned towards him, Saint greeted her with a respectful nod and a warm smile. She gestured for him to take a seat on the sofa opposite her, and Saint complied promptly.
"I'm sorry for calling you again, Saint. I know you're busy. But I'm struggling to find someone I can trust with this matter," the CEO admitted with a sigh.
"It's not a problem, ma'am. I'm here to assist however I can," Saint assured her. Despite being relatively new to the company, he had earned the CEO's trust through his dedication and hard work. She had come to rely on him for handling important tasks, especially given her meticulous nature following the loss of her heir.
Saint was aware that many colleagues referred to him as "Madam's favorite," acknowledging the trust and confidence she placed in him. This recognition both honored him and motivated him to continue excelling in his role within the company.
Saint's skills in business communication were well-known within the company, which is why the CEO saw potential in him for persuading business partners and expanding their company's reach. After their discussion, Saint returned to his department on the second floor.
"Sir, we'll be having dinner later, are you in?" Saifah, the tall accounting clerk, asked him as he passed by.
Saint paused briefly, considering his response. He was not accustomed to joining his colleagues for meals, but their persistent invitations always touched him. Glancing around, he noticed the hopeful expressions on their faces.
"Um, yeah, sure," Saint replied with a bright smile. The announcement was met with cheers from his colleagues, delighted that their usually reserved manager had agreed to join them for dinner, marking the fifth time that year.
It was nearing 6 PM, and everyone in the office was winding down after a long day, looking forward to dinner. Saint packed his belongings into his leather handbag and grabbed his phone.
"Let's go, sir," Saifah waved at him, prompting Saint to nod and follow the group.
'Fighter must be waiting for me,' Saint thought to himself as they made their way out.
