Recovering from her mistakes in taking massages and carrying out her chore of buying office supplies without trouble, gives Hiromi a boost of self-confidence. It is a small boost, but Hiromi feels like she has matured in the last two weeks.
These days, Hiromi stops at a Starbucks in the morning and comes to work with a coffee in her hand like her co-workers do. She is now familiar with the middle-aged security guard at the reception area of the building, and exchanges greetings with him every time she comes to work.
Hi. How are you? It’s a beautiful day.
I’m very well, and you, Hiromi? It’s too bad you and I have to work in this beautiful weather. Well, have a good day.
As Hiromi arrives at her desk in the office, Sarah comes to her as usual.
It’s Friday so it might get busier than usual today. Try to finish as much of the work as possible in the morning in case we receive urgent orders in the afternoon.
Why are Fridays busier than usual?
Many people leave work in the afternoon. My boss does it quite often.
Hiromi remembers the office looking somewhat empty last Friday afternoon. She has heard that some people in management reserve Friday afternoons for golfing. She feels an urge to ask if they leave early using their internpaid holiday or simply take a partial day off, but she dismisses the thought as it could be taken as initiating chit chat.
As she was told, Hiromi goes through the work at a faster pace than usual. As people begin to leave, at around 2pm, the much-feared, urgent work starts coming in. Sarah immediately goes to consult with her boss but he has left the office, “entrusting Sarah with everything”.
Hiromi knows she can’t leave Sarah to do it all by herself.
I will help you until you finish. Please tell me whatever you want me to do.
Sarah is impressed beyond Hiromi’s expectations. She thanks Hiromi, almost giving Hiromi a hug, and then lowers her voice as she says:
You never know when you’ll receive a chance.
Looking at Hiromi, who is puzzled by the mysterious comment, Sarah doesn’t speak any more but gives a small laugh. Hiromi sees Sara’s eyes flash with glare and the vision lingers in her mind. (To be continued)