Fortnight

Chapter - 1

In late November, as the chill sets in over New York, the city transforms into a winter wonderland. The streets are filled with bundled-up figures, couples walking arm in arm to keep warm, and the faint glow of holiday lights beginning to adorn shop windows and trees. When evening rolls in, the wind gets a bit nippy, sending people hurrying back to the cozy comfort of their homes. They're also on the lookout for that familiar autumn chill. There's a light buzz in the air around town – everyone seems to be waiting for the first snowfall. It's a shared excitement that brings everyone a little closer together in the city.

Amidst this wintry backdrop, Theo sits among his colleagues at a long, elegantly set table in a cozy, upscale restaurant. The company dinner, organized to celebrate his recent promotion as CFO, is in full swing. The cozy lighting gives the room a nice golden glow, bouncing off the shiny wood and making everything feel inviting. You can hear people chatting softly and laughing now and then, along with the sound of glasses clinking and waitstaff quietly moving around from table to table.

Theo, dressed in a tailored navy suit, feels a mix of pride and slight awkwardness. He's never been one to enjoy the spotlight, preferring to let his work speak for itself. But tonight, he's the center of attention, and his colleagues' genuine admiration and congratulations warm him more than the rich red wine in his glass.

Juniors approach him, offering food and drinks, but he politely declines, content to watch and listen to the camaraderie around him. Even though Theo holds a top position, he's really down-to-earth and easy to talk to. He knows how to be tough when he needs to be, but his coworkers appreciate him because he's fair and honest.

Though he's rarely seen letting loose and fully embracing the moment, his occasional smiles, though reserved, carry a genuine kindness that endears him to his team.

As the company dinner winds down, one of Theo's staff members, Kyle, enthusiastically suggests heading to karaoke. Theo notices the eager glint in Kyle's eyes; it's a sign he's seen many times before, usually indicating it's time to call it a night for himself.

"I'll skip, thanks," Theo says with a polite smile,

"Come on, Theo, you've got to join us this time!" Kyle urges, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Kyle is Theo's only close companion in the office, and he is similar in age. He's in charge of the finance department, so they usually team up to plan meetings and set yearly goals. That's how they became friends, often grabbing drinks after work or chilling together during lunch.

Theo chuckles softly, shaking his head. "I appreciate the offer, Kyle, but you all go ahead. I'll catch up with you next time."

But this time, the rest of his colleagues chime in, insisting he joins them. "Seriously, Mr. Martin, it's not the same without you!" one of them says.

"Yeah, it'll be a blast! And if you're not feeling it, you can leave early," another adds.

Theo sighs, feeling the weight of their collective persuasion. "Alright, alright," he relents, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "One night won't hurt."

With that, they all head to the nearest karaoke joint, booking a room for themselves. As the night progresses, they take turns singing their favorite songs, some purposely butchering the notes to induce laughter from their colleagues.

Theo can't help but laugh with everyone, pleasantly surprised by how much fun he's having with their silly antics. Between the laughter and some really off-key singing, he gets why these hangouts matter for building team spirit.

"You were right, Kyle," Theo says between laughs, clapping his colleague on the back. "This was a good idea."

As the night wears on and his colleagues begin to trickle out of the karaoke room, Theo ensures that each one of them leaves safely before he finally heads out himself. He slides into his car, starting the engine with a weary sigh. Rolling down the window, he lets the cold breeze hit his face, momentarily refreshing him.