At that moment, the world felt like it went into a standstill for Arnan. Raymond's words, like a powerful force, kept the man before him from moving a muscle nor get his own words out of his mouth.
When Arnan got the job, no words could describe how grateful he was to be chosen for such an incredible opportunity. It felt like all the years of hard work and perseverance were finally paying off.
It was his very first proper job and he was determined to do a good job and prove to his boss that he made the right choice to hire him.
But then, reality struck Arnan, pushing him back on the ground. The bright outlook on his life that he had just regained recently were crumbling before his eyes.
Or at least that was what it seemed.
"Here's this month's salary," Raymond placed a salary envelope atop his desk.
Arnan's knees were weak. A single flick on one of them could have brought him down the floor. But he steeled himself as he approached Raymond's desk to get the envolope.
"Thank you very much," Arnan said, his voice low and shaky.
Arnan was grateful. He truly he was. But he could not help but feel the pain piercing his heart right now.
Arnan knew it wouldn't change things, but he wanted to atleast know the reason why he was being let go.
"My daughter recognized the effort you put into your work, Arnan."
"Huh?"
But Raymond did not give him the chance to ask.
"That's right," Raymond continued. "Even though I was already thinking about it myself, Callisto wanted me to compensate you for your job well done."
"Compensate?"
At this moment, Arnan's mind was whirling with questions.
Raymond's daughter recognized his efforts and wanted to compensate me for it? Just what kind of compensation is it? What's going to happen?
"I did some background check on you a while ago," Raymond revealed, his voice low and gentle, a stark contrast to Arnan's initial impression of Raymond being a tough boss. "You had a normal family and you had a great upbringing. Your lives were going very smoothly, like everything felt just right. But one day, it was revealed that your father had an affair with another woman, so he left you both for that woman. Your mother, who only finished elementary level, had an accident that impaired one of her legs so she cannot find work even if she wanted to. Although it is treatable, your father never provided his wife access with the necessary treatment so she could walk without crutches again, claiming the money he gets from his side hustles were barely enough for your daily expenses. It was a lie. Finally, after your father left, you had no choice but to forget pursuing college in order to provide for you and your mother."
Hearing how Arnan's life went from Raymond felt like Arnan was at the frontrow seat in a movie theater, watching a film that really tugged at his heart emotionally.
One could say that Arnan felt the film really close to home.
But rather than letting the swirling emotions in his heart get the better of him, Arnan chose to put on a brave face and smile at his now former boss with confidence.
"What a sad life, huh," Arnan let out a mirthless chuckle, trying to play it in a light tone.
Raymond chuckled back at the man. "Oh, I beg to differ. If not for your father's sin, you were planning to get a degree in information technology, weren't you?"
When Raymond uttered those words, Arnan fell into an utter silence for a moment.
Arnan thought he had given up on his dream. Or at least forgot about it. But his former boss made him realize he was wrong. His dream never truly disappeared.
He nodded at Raymond as he speak. "Yeah, that's right."
"Well, your life's not so bad at all, is it? You had a dream. Do you know how many people in the world actually have a dream? A lot. But not everyone. However, not everyone has the luxury to chase their dreams."
Arnan let out another mirthless laugh, the sound almost like a self-mockery. "I guess I am one of those who cannot chase their dreams."
"But what if you were given another opportunity to chase your dream," Raymond leaned forward, his expression serious as his gaze searches Arnan's. "Will you give chase?"
Arnan could kinda see where this conversation between him and his former boss were leading towards, but he didn't want to get into conclusions just yet.
Even so, Raymond's question warranted a genuine answer. And so, with a sincere expression on his face, he looked straight at his former boss and gave his answer.
"Yes."
Raymond nodded before straightening his posture, a satisfied smirk played on his lips. "Then, go for it. I'll take care of everything else. Of course, that includes the treatment your mother deserves."
"Wha..."
If there is one thing Arnan cared more about than his dream, that would be his mother.
No words could describe how grateful Arnan felt for this one chance, for this another opportunity to pursue his dream and make it a reality. But for Raymond to also include his mother's needs, there was no way for Arnan to hold his composure after hearing that.
Arnan covered his face with both his hands as tears started trickling down uncontrollably.
"I don't know what to say," Arnan's voice was shaky, understandably. It took him every ounce of his being to lift his head up to face Raymond, tears continue to trickle down his eyes. "Thank you. Thank you very much."
A soft smile appeared on Raymond's lips. Seeing a grown man cry before him was a rare sight. But understanding that Arnan was simply overcome with emotions, Raymond elected to respect his former employee's freedom to express himself.
"College starts around August," informed Raymond. "You better get ready."
Nodding in agreement with the doctor, Arnan calmed himself, wiping the tears off as he wore a confident and determined expression. "Right. I will get to it right away."