Dear Boss: Wounds of The Past

CHAPTER 15

As time passed, unti-unting bumalik ang lakas ni Patricia. With each passing day, she began to regain her ability to walk, though it wasn’t easy. Everyday, Leo would be by her side, encouraging her, guiding her through every step. They spent hours together, laughing and sharing stories—mostly from Leo’s side, as Patricia couldn’t remember much from the past two years.

“Come on, Patricia, just a little more,” Leo urged one afternoon as they practiced walking in the hospital’s rehabilitation room. He had a hand lightly resting on her back, supporting her as she took careful steps forward.

Patricia let out a soft laugh, feeling a mixture of triumph and exhaustion. “I feel like a child learning to walk again.”

Leo chuckled, his smile warm and encouraging. “You’re doing amazing. Look at you! Soon enough, you’ll be running marathons.”

“Marathons? I’ll settle for just walking out of this hospital first,” Patricia replied with a grin, though her eyes sparkled with determination.

They often sat together afterward, Patricia resting while Leo told her stories from “the past.” He would recount events, spinning tales of moments they supposedly shared—picnics by the lake, dinners at fancy restaurants, conversations about their dreams. Patricia would listen, trying to connect the dots, but there was always a lingering sense of something missing.

“Remember that time we went to the vineyard? You insisted on picking the grapes yourself,” Leo said with a laugh one day.

Patricia frowned slightly, trying to recall the memory. “I… I don’t remember that, Leo.”

“That’s okay,” Leo quickly reassured her, his tone light. “It’ll come back to you eventually. For now, just enjoy the stories.”

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As Patricia’s physical strength improved, so did her focus on something more substantial—her role in the family business. It was during one of these training sessions, in the grand study of their home, that she found herself sitting between her father and Leo, both men intent on preparing her for the responsibilities she would soon inherit.

“Patricia,” Mr. Voinesse began, his tone firm yet gentle, “you need to understand the intricacies of managing a company. This isn’t just about numbers or profits; it’s about people, leadership, and making the right decisions.”

Patricia nodded, trying to absorb everything her father was saying. “I want to learn, Dad. I want to do this right.”

Leo, standing beside Mr. Voinesse, chimed in with a confident smile. “And you will. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. You’re not alone in this, Patricia.”

Her father handed her a folder, filled with documents, reports, and financial statements. “We’ll start with the basics. Leo will assist you with the day-to-day operations, and I’ll oversee everything. This is your chance to prove yourself, Patricia. I know you’re capable.”

Patricia took a deep breath, looking at the daunting stack of papers before her. “Thank you, Dad. And thank you, Leo. I’ll do my best.”

“We know you will,” Leo said, his voice filled with reassurance. “You have all the potential, Patricia. You just need to trust yourself.”

They spent hours together, going through each document, discussing strategies, analyzing the market. Patricia was determined, pushing herself to grasp everything as quickly as possible. Despite the weight of the responsibility, she felt a sense of purpose.

One evening, after a long session of discussions, Patricia turned to Leo. “I never imagined myself in this position… managing a company.”

Leo smiled, leaning back in his chair. “Life is full of surprises, Patricia. But you’re handling it all with grace. You were meant for this.”