Hearts On The Highrise

Chapter 24 : confronting demons

The weekend slipped away all too quickly and I was abruptly roused from sleep by the warm rays of the morning sun seeping through the curtains. Phalo, snuggled into my arms, adding a sense of calm to the morning commotion.

As I reluctantly faced the reality of the new week ahead, I knew it would be a hectic one at work. Mr. Alonzo had entrusted me with an important project and I had to get on with it. Mew had already left for work, so I got out of bed, preparing myself for the challenges ahead.

Walking through the bustling streets of New York City, coffee in one hand and a stack of documents in the other.  The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, offering a brief respite from the morning's chaos.

Tina and Heidi settled in beside me, their chatter a welcome distraction from the impending workload. We exchanged smiles and pleasantries as we headed for the building, the familiar rhythm of our morning routine serving as a comforting backdrop to the day ahead.

No sooner had I settled into my desk, eager to immerse myself in the tasks ahead, than I was interrupted by the arrival of P'sun, who informed me that Engfa had called a meeting in the conference room. My mind immediately raced, wondering what new fact could justify such an early morning meeting. Engfa meetings were renowned for their intensity, often leaving us exhausted and discouraged.

I exchanged knowing glances with Tina and Heidi, who shared my apprehension. "Here we go again", muttered Tina, her tone tinged with resignation.

Heidi smiled sympathetically, silently acknowledging the challenge ahead. As we made our way to the conference room, the tension in the air was palpable, each of us preparing to face whatever Engfa had in store.

As we entered, my eyes quickly scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces of my colleagues, each wearing expressions ranging from nervous anticipation to weary resignation. Mr. Alonzo sat at the head of the table, his imposing presence commanding attention, while Engfa stood nearby, her posture rigid and unwavering.

I took my seat, feeling a knot form in my stomach as I braced myself for what was to come. Engfa wasted no time in addressing the room, her voice cutting through the silence with its characteristic frostiness.

I couldn't help wondering who would be the next target of Engfa's ire, silently hoping it wouldn't be me. However, before I could dwell too long on this thought, Engfa began to speak.

Engfa cleared her throat, her gaze sweeping across the room as she addressed us. "Good morning, everyone," she began, her tone surprisingly upbeat considering the early hour. "I've called this meeting because I have some exciting news to share." As she spoke, a ripple of curiosity spread through the room, and I couldn't help but lean in, eager to hear what she had to say. "Waraha Corporation is expanding," Engfa continued, her voice tinged with pride. "We're going global."

The room erupted into murmurs of surprise and excitement, and I exchanged glances with my colleagues, all of us sharing in the collective sense of anticipation. Engfa went on to explain that new branches would be opening in California and Thailand in the coming months, and she emphasized that this was just the beginning. "We're growing, and we're not slowing down anytime soon," she declared, her words punctuated by applause from the assembled employees. It was a moment of celebration, a rare instance of unity and positivity in our often turbulent work environment.

Engfa paused, acknowledging Mr. Alonzo with a nod of gratitude. "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Alonzo for his invaluable guidance and support," she said, her tone sincere. "Without his expertise and dedication, this expansion wouldn't be possible." Mr. Alonzo nodded graciously in return, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.