The Loner

A Much Needed Pause

"So you're really doing it? I thought that wasn't your sort of thing."

"What do you mean?"

"Hey, I don't want any trouble you know what I mean."

"You mean as in black people don't go to the mountains."

"You said it, I didn't."

"It's that kind of ignorance that makes me want to go more, besides I need this. I'm sick of all this shit right now."

"Hey if you can't handle the pressure Tai, then..."

"I can handle it Issac. I've been handling it for the last 5 years since graduated at the top of class from Stanford, aight"

 I gave him a cocky smirk knowing I just used my status and one of my culture's vernacular all in the same breath, but fuck him. I have been dealing with Issac's attitude since I got here and I'm finally going to take this vacation. I've never been out of work and never missed a day even when I was sick. Or even when my mother was sick. So I have racked up a full month's worth of vacation time and I am finally going to use it.  I have so many regrets doing this kind of work. It's time I took some time for off. After Beverly left me for that wanna-be Drake rapper, I have seised all dating. I just need some air. I found this great cabin airbnb thats about three and half hours drive from here that was open. 

Issac slumped away and I went into my bosses office to make sure that there wasn't anything left to do before I took off. 

I walked to his side door and tapped lightly.

"Anything else that should be covered before I take off?"

"No, but come in son and close the door."

Normally I would be insulted by someone calling me that, but Eric was the best boss I had ever had, despite him hiring Issac or Dylan. 

"I just wanted to tell you I'm glad you're taking some time off, this will be good for you. There comes a time in everyone's life where they need reflection. We get too caught up with the daily grind and we really miss what's truly important. I see you getting weary and you're only 30. "

"I know...I'm starting to feel ancient."

"Like me." He laughs.

"Worse."

"Then get out of here and go enjoy the fresh mountain air. I might need it too sometime."

"What...you finally thinking about retirement?"

"I think it may be time. You lead by example and tell me when you get back how it feels."

"Okay sir I'll-"

"Eric, call me Eric, Tai."

"Okay Eric, I'll let you know."

As I put my hand on the door to leave he said one last thing. 

"This may not surprise you, but you are one of my favorites, like a son to me. If you can come back with a fresh set of eyes for your next story, I may consider promoting you to Content Manager"

"What?...Really?" My eyes got big.

"Definitely. Have a great vacation...see you next month."

I couldn't believe I just heard what I just heard. I decided to celebrate with best friend Leo and hit the bar for some drinks. 

"So you're not scared of bears?"

"Of course I'm scared of bears, but the owner of the airbnb said theres never been a bear sighting in that area."