What really matters- Story

It was a beautiful evening. The wind was blowing light in the aftermath of a stormy afternoon, carrying the smell of rains and spreading it around, quenching the souls of many an enthusiasts of the post summer weather. The sky was a serene shade of grey, with clouds making happy shapes all across it. The sun shone a deep orange across the city, casting absurdly long shadows of the trees on the pavement she was walking by. She was headed towards the parking lot, after a long day of work, which was located just a block down the building her office was housed in. After a day full of sitting in a swanky single floor- multiple cabin office, discussing financial matters of uber rich city dwellers, she was relieved to be outside in fresh air. Even though the walk to the parking had taken just over a couple of minutes, her mind had already registered the calm and beauty in the atmosphere today, and she could not wait to drive around the town back home enjoying it more.

She was a pretty, in her mid twenties, independent and quite well off woman, courtesy of her fancy college degree and sharp mind. She was an instant success at her work place. Within a matter of two years she had established herself as one of the best employees around at the job. She was an indispensable resource and her seniors knew it. So it was no surprise for anyone when today at the appraisal discussion, she was offered a promotion with a coveted rise in her take home paycheck.

She reached her hatchback and opening the side door, deposited her fashionable handbag on the seat. She then moved to the driver’s side and swung her lean frame in. As she turned the ignition on, she could not help but recall how some of her colleagues at the office congratulated her over lunch and went ooh! and ah! over how she was really the one who deserved the big promotion.

They were so happy for me today. I guess they believe in me.

She reversed the car from its parking lot smoothly and turned to the road back home.

Mr. Acton, her immediate boss, had extended a warm hand towards her at the end of her appraisal meeting after being quite frank in his disclosure of his appreciation of her work this past year, and then expressed his belief in her long and successful career in the industry. “You must celebrate you success today, Clair”, is what he said while she made her way out of his cabin.

Do I feel like celebrating?

She couldn’t answer herself.

“Oh Clair! I am so thrilled! You did it, this is what you wanted and you got it!” Jenny hugged her tight when she heard the news of Clair’s promotion. “Congratulations dear! Where are we celebrating tonight?” Jenny looked at her with an enthused and questioning smile.

But she could not move past Jenny’s earlier statement.

Is this what I wanted?

“Why do you look so pale? Are you not happy with the raise?” Jenny inquired.

She suddenly came back to reality and answered. “Oh no! The raise is good, more than good. I am fine. I just feel like I need to be alone for a moment.” She said and made her way to the restroom.

Why do I feel so queasy? Aren’t I supposed to be ecstatic on getting rewarded for my hard work? What is wrong with me?

....to be continued...