Change of Heart

            Right now, it may almost seem as if I am the most social, and welcoming person out there, but I haven’t always been this way. People who know me well know that I have made a 360 change in terms of personality. It all started when I decided to move out to New Jersey to take a new job at a newspaper printing company. In order for this to happen, I had to let go of a certain part of my life; my mother.

As I loaded the last of my bags into my rusty old truck, my mother gazed at me with wide, teary eyes. In a shaky voice, she whispered, “I guess this is it Flora.” I answered back, “I’ll miss you mom. Take care of yourself.” I gave her mother a long hug, and climbed into my truck. I took one last look at the house where she grew up. My frail mother stood waving on the porch, in her faded, and raggedy housework clothes. As I stared at this house, all of my childhood memories suddenly flooded into my mind. I played them in my mind over and over again. I could almost hear the sounds of dishes breaking, and the countless slaps. I knew moving to New Jersey was the best option for my own future, but I couldn’t help but feel guilty about leaving my lonely mother. I felt a tear crawl down my cheek as I started up the truck. I slowly drove out of the small neighborhood, and onto the highway.  

I loved to drive ever since the day I first stepped on a gas pedal. Whenever there were problems, I jumped into my old truck and drove. I loved being able to steer the car whichever way I desired. I turned on the radio, and a bubbly lovers’ song blasted through the speakers. Disgusted, I quickly switched the station until I came across a soothing classical song.

It was already 5p.m when I arrived at my new home. From the outside, it looked very nice. The house was a one story white house. It was enclosed within a fence, and there was a small garden. As soon as I stepped into my new house, I felt a feeling of excitement wash over me. I sat down in front of my window and watched the sun fade into the horizon. This was the start of a new chapter in my life. I had a whole new journey ahead of me, and I was on the right path to my dream. As I lay in bed that night, I had my whole future planned out in my brain. First, I would go to work the next day, and prove my worthiness. Then I would continue to work up the ladder of success, and eventually get promoted to the chief executive position. By then, I would have a steady income and have saved up enough money to afford my dream house. My dream house was three stories high, and had three rooms. One room would be for sleeping, the second room would be for working, and the third room would be for my art. I got lost in my thoughts and before I knew it, I woke up to the sound of cars honking.

Excited for my first day at my new job, I quickly got ready. I carefully chose my outfit: a white blouse, and black trousers. Then, I quickly gobbled down my breakfast and rushed out of my house. I wanted to be early to show my eagerness. When I arrived at my workplace, I was led into my boss’s office. My boss’s name was Ellen Chyler. She was the perfect image of my ideal future self. She had her own humongous office, she was confidant and poised, and everyone around her respected her. Ms. Chyler led me to my cubicle, and I got to work immediately. I didn’t even take the time to get to know the other employees around me, and I didn’t even want to get to know them. I was so determined to make it to the top as soon as possible.

I can’t quite remember my first few days at work because they were all just a blur. I only focused on working for the entire day. However, during my second week, other employees around me began to socialize with me. At first, I thought it was pretty weird of them to talk to me. One of them said “Hi Flora! How do you like it here?” His name was Tom. I was so surprised because he called me by my name. I was unaware that people at my workplace even knew my name. I also felt bad for not knowing his name. “Hi, it’s fine. Sorry, what is your name?” I felt embarrassed, but at the same time I didn’t care that much about him. “I’m Tom. Nice to meet you,” Tom firmly shook my hand. He also added that if I ever needed any help with anything, I could ask him. This was a very interesting offer from him. Even though we had just met, he was offering to give me assistance in anything. It was hard to admit at the time, but it actually felt good that someone wanted to help me out.

Tom and I grew closer and closer. In the beginning, it was difficult to become friends with him because I had never actually had true male friends. However, as each day passed, we naturally became friends. We had several commonalities and similar interests, and we both enjoyed each other’s company. By my first month at my new job, I was thrown into an inner turmoil. I felt attached to Tom, but at the same time, I was committed to work. Because I had worked so diligently, Ms. Chyler was ready to promote me to a higher position. However, if she promoted me it would ruin my friendship with Tom because I would be moved to a different office, 40 miles away.

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