The Pieces Of Us

1

Every time the news channel blared, seven-year-old Crystal dashed to the front of the screen, her heart racing with excitement as she watched her mother on the 8pm news. The reports being delivered faded into background noise, overshadowed by the allure of the bustling blue newsroom, the aroma of coffee wafting through the air, and the captivating presence of the camera. To young Crystal, the idea of being a journalist seemed like a magical dream, a world where she could speak without the need for direct human interaction—a prospect that both thrilled and comforted her.

As she grew older, Crystal's childhood dream evolved but remained rooted in her passion for storytelling. Instead of becoming a journalist, she found herself in the role of an interviewer. Despite this deviation from her initial goal, she felt a sense of fulfillment in her work. Being part of one of the country's top media companies not only brought her joy but also granted her the opportunity to engage with celebrities—movie stars, footballers, musicians—individuals she once admired from afar.

One particular morning, as Crystal sat at her desk, the steam from her tea gently caressed her face, offering a brief moment of solace amidst the chaos of the newsroom. She savored the tranquility before diving into her tasks, the familiar routine of her daily workday unfolding around her. The view from her window, overlooking the city where "Victoria Times" stood tall, provided a glimpse of serenity that never failed to uplift her spirits, even on the gloomiest of days.

Despite her outward composure, a sense of restlessness gnawed at Crystal's core. The incessant beeping of photocopying machines and the murmur of her colleagues served as a constant reminder of the bustling environment she navigated daily. She sighed, attempting to drown out the distractions and maintain focus on her responsibilities.

Victoria Times, a reputable media outlet known for its unwavering commitment to accuracy and efficiency, was both a source of pride and pressure for Crystal. The company's dedication to delivering quality content both in entertainment and current affairs, was commendable, yet its occasional intrusion into private matters left a lingering sense of discomfort in Crystal's mind.

Reflecting on her journey to secure a position at Victoria Times, Crystal recalled the mix of doubt and determination that fueled her pursuit. The memory of her nerve-wracking interview, the anxiety that gripped her as she awaited the outcome, and the elation that washed over her upon receiving the news of her acceptance—by default. The company was in dire need of staff as multiple had been laid off during the pandemic. 

"Crystal" she heard a colleague call, bringing her out of her reverie. Looking  to the direction of the sound, her face fell instantly but she tried to keep her expression normal. Rachel, an egoistic embodiment she disliked to her core, known for her ambition and wittiness, rubbed Crystal in a disturbing way. Not knowing whether it was just her insecurities or a fact, Crystal could have sworn about the multiple times she felt Rachel send dirty stares her way.

Despite her reservations, Crystal maintained a professional facade, exchanging polite nods as Rachel cat walked in her stilettos to her desk.

"Ms Grace is looking for you. Said it's urgent," Rachel said, her expression bored

"Okay," Crystal replied, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. She couldn't shake the feeling that Rachel was up to something, but she pushed the thought aside as she rose from her desk and made her way to the director's office.

Inside, the director's stern expression gave away nothing as Crystal entered, her heart pounding with anticipation. She braced herself for whatever news awaited her, steeling her resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead.