Since Hiromi is entering into the second week of her internship, Sarah is handing out more duties to her. Hiromi’s workload is increasing day by day and she’s starting to do more than just filing documents.
Today, as usual, Sarah arrives at the office before Hiromi. She goes to Hiromi’s desk just at starting time and gives her the day’s assignments.
Good morning, Hiromi. How are you? I will be in a meeting all morning so I want you to receive calls for me. You can call me on my cel phone if there’s an emergency.
The telephone on Hiromi’s desk never rings because it isn’t meant to receive incoming calls. Today, the receptionist will forward all incoming calls to it. The first telephone call comes within half an hour and Hiromi answers it nervously. She is used to everyday conversation but this is the first time for her to take a business call.
Hi, Sarah, it’s Bob. How are you? I have something urgent that I would like you to do and I was wondering if I could set up an appointment.
Hiromi wonders if Bob can hear her heartbeat but she handles the call carefully without showing her nervousness.
I’m sorry but Sarah is in a meeting. I will have her call you. May I have your number?
It goes smoother than Hiromi expected and the first call is taken care of without a hitch. It becomes easier from the second time on, and she takes 6 or 7 notes of telephone messages before Sarah finishes her meeting.
Sarah comes out of the meeting looking a bit excited with her cheeks flushed. Holding a document with both arms, she walks up to Hiromi’s desk at a brisk pace and starts talking quickly.
It really makes me mad. I can take it usually because he is a customer, but he persists by saying, “Do something. I don’t want to pay taxes.” Why can’t he understand it’s impossible? He must be really crazy!
I’m sorry about saying nonsense to you. Thank you for taking my telephone messages. I see you got a few calls.
Acknowledging that showing her anger is childish, she receives the telephone messages awkwardly from Hiromi. Then, her expression turns nasty.