Unknown Friend | Bruce Wayne

ONE - STRANGER

Unknown Number:

I swear, how can anyone put up with her? She's not happy unless everyone around her is panicked or suicidal.

Bruce Wayne:

I'm sorry, who's this? I think you've got the wrong number.

Unknown Number:

This is the number of my coworker. Drat! It's smudged. The paper I mean.

Bruce Wayne:

It sounds like you're having a rough day. Maybe I can help—what happened?

Unknown Number:

Oh, you don't want to know. It's just been one of those days where everything seems to go wrong. I don't even know who I'm texting right now!

Bruce Wayne:

Just a random guy. If it helps, I'm pretty good at sorting out problems. What's going on?

Unknown Number:

You're really going to try to help a stranger over text? That's new. And I don't think you're prepared for this kind of chaos.

Bruce Wayne:

I assure you, I've handled my fair share of chaos. Sometimes it helps to talk it out.

Unknown Number:

Well, if you insist. It's just my boss. She's one of those people who seems to thrive on creating drama and making others miserable. It's exhausting.

Bruce Wayne:

I get that. People can be challenging. What kind of drama are we talking about?

Unknown Number:

Imagine someone who thinks it's fun to push everyone's buttons and then acts surprised when no one can get anything done. Yeah, that's her.

Bruce Wayne:

Sounds like a real piece of work. How do you usually deal with it?

Unknown Number:

I usually try to stay out of her way, but it's impossible. She's always around and always making a scene.

Bruce Wayne:

Maybe there's a way to address it with her directly? Sometimes setting boundaries can help, though I'm sure it's easier said than done.

Unknown Number:

You're right. I've tried before, but it never seems to stick. Anyway, I appreciate you listening. It's nice to vent a bit.

Bruce Wayne:

Anytime. It's good to talk things out. If you need more advice or just someone to listen, you've got my number now.

Unknown Number:

Thanks. I might take you up on that. And hey, at least now I know my coworker's number is smudged beyond recognition.

Bruce Wayne:

Glad I could be of help. Sometimes a bit of unexpected support makes a difference.

Unknown Number:

You're definitely a pleasant surprise. I guess not everyone is as chaotic as my boss.

Bruce Wayne:

Definitely not. Just a guy trying to be a good Samaritan.

Unknown Number:

Well, I'll keep you in mind if I need more sanity checks. Thanks again!

Bruce Wayne:

Anytime.

Megan put her phone down, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She hadn't expected much from this accidental conversation, but it turned out to be a surprisingly welcome distraction. As a newly appointed chef at a five-star Michelin restaurant, the pressure and high stakes of her new role felt overwhelming at times. Venting about her boss to a stranger felt a bit reckless, but it had somehow given her a fresh perspective. The unexpected kindness and understanding from someone she'd never met before had provided a moment of clarity and relief. Megan realized that even amidst the chaos of her demanding job, a little bit of empathy and a listening ear could make a world of difference. With renewed determination, she felt ready to face the challenges ahead, knowing she wasn't alone in navigating the tumultuous waters of her new career.

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