Silicon Dreams of Nairobi

Unexpected Encounters

Amani

The days are blurring together as my internship progresses. I am getting used to the office routine, but the tension with Brian continues to weigh on me. I am trying to stay focused on my tasks, but his sporadic interactions and the underlying tension between us are hard to ignore.

Today, I am working on a market analysis report, my concentration broken only by the occasional ping of incoming emails. The office is quieter than usual, and I am feeling a rare moment of peace when Mwikali approaches.

“Amani, I need you to handle something for me,” she says, her tone carrying a hint of urgency.

I look up, setting aside my work. “What is it?”

“There’s a client presentation this afternoon,” Mwikali explains. “One of our team members is unavailable, and I need you to fill in.”

“Sure,” I reply, trying to hide my nervousness. “I’ll be ready.”

Mwikali nods and walks away, leaving me with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Presentations are not my strongest suit, but I am determined to do a good job. I spend the next few hours preparing, reviewing the material, and rehearsing my points.

By the time I walk into the conference room, my nerves are on edge. The room is filled with a group of clients, their faces attentive as they wait for the presentation to begin. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

As I start the presentation, I feel a sense of control. The clients are engaged, asking questions, and I am handling them confidently. Just as I am finishing up, I notice Brian entering the room. His presence is almost electric, and I can feel his eyes on me as I speak.

When the presentation ends, the clients are satisfied, and I am feeling a rush of relief. Brian approaches me as the clients leave, his expression unreadable.

“You did well,” he says, his tone more neutral than complimentary. “Your preparation was thorough.”

“Thank you,” I reply, trying to ignore the slight tinge of disappointment in his voice.

“Let’s talk in my office,” Brian says, motioning for me to follow.

I walk with him to his office, my mind racing. What could he possibly want to discuss? I am hoping it’s not another critique, though the thought is hard to shake.

Once inside his office, Brian closes the door and takes a seat behind his desk. “Have a seat,” he says, gesturing to the chair opposite him.

I sit down, trying to maintain my composure. “What’s up?”

“I wanted to discuss your performance,” Brian begins, his tone more measured now. “You handled the presentation well, but there are areas where you can improve.”

I brace myself for the feedback, but to my surprise, his critique is constructive. He points out specific aspects of my presentation and offers suggestions for improvement. Despite his usual aloofness, there’s a sense of genuine effort in his feedback.

“Thank you for the input,” I say when he finishes. “I’ll work on those areas.”

Brian nods, and for a moment, there’s a brief silence. “You’re doing well, Amani. Just keep pushing yourself.”

I leave his office with mixed feelings. His feedback is fair, and his encouragement is unexpected. As I return to my desk, I am contemplating our interaction. It’s clear that Brian’s feedback, though often curt, carries an underlying respect for my abilities. It’s confusing but also a bit encouraging.

The day is winding down, and I am wrapping up my work when I hear a familiar voice behind me. It’s Brian, heading out of the office.

“Amani,” he calls out. “Good job today.”

I turn around, surprised by his tone. “Thanks, Brian. Have a good evening.”

As I watch him leave, I am feeling a strange sense of optimism. Perhaps there’s more to Brian’s demeanor than I initially thought. I am heading home, reflecting on the day’s events and wondering what the future holds.

The streets of Nairobi are bustling as I make my way to the matatu. The city’s energy is palpable, and as I look around, I am feeling a renewed sense of determination. This internship is proving to be full of surprises, and I am ready to face whatever comes next.

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