Mr. Tasha gathered his belongings, then buried the remaining ashes of the fire.
He descended from the peak toward his car, step by step.
He heard the soft sound of the wind and the birds.
The sounds beneath his feet formed a beautiful symphony, scattered leaves and withered branches.
Rock after rock, tree after tree, Mr. Tasha reached the parked car.
He did not wait long before returning home.
Mr. Tasha spent a few more days in his house, engaged in quiet self-reflection.
…
After a full week away from work, during which Mr. Tasha traveled and experienced something good, spending long hours alone with himself, he finally returned to his job.
"Oh, Mr. Tasha, welcome back! How are you?" Charlie asked enthusiastically.
"I'm fine, Charlie. How about you?" Mr. Tasha's tone was different from his usual coldness.
"I'm doing well, Mr. Tasha. You know, I succeeded this week in proposing to Mary and she said... yes." Joy was clearly visible on Charlie's face.
"Hahaha, really? I'm happy for you, we should have a celebration." Mr. Tasha said, listening attentively and suggesting they hold a party.
"Thank you, Mr. Tasha, but the party will be on me. You're invited this Saturday, I also have other news for you. The land you purchased earlier received a huge offer from someone who wants to build a commercial center." Charlie was always enthusiastic when speaking with Mr. Tasha, whether about work or his personal life.
This was Mr. Tasha's influence, he genuinely cared about his employees and kept them close to him.
Even if he did not fully realize it, some of Mr. Tasha's emotions were reflected in his considerate actions.
"Don't worry about that, I'll review everything that happened this week. Focus on your relationship with Mary and on preparing for the celebration, and if you need any help, let me know. Charlie, you and Mary are now on an unlimited leave." Mr. Tasha's voice carried confidence and the charisma of a leader.
"If you say so, I won't refuse. But get ready for the party Mr. Tasha, hahaha." With that, Charlie turned around and headed toward Mary, happily sharing the news.
…
Mr. Tasha entered his office and sat in his chair, then began reviewing the tedious files.
About two hours passed, and he was still reviewing.
Mr. Tasha's focus was truly impressive when it came to work.
He believed in a simple principle: if you want to do something, just do it, and you will naturally enter a state of complete concentration.
At last, Mr. Tasha finished his work.
He stood up and left his office.
He greeted everyone he passed, and they all responded with sincere smiles.
Each of them genuinely respected and liked Mr. Tasha, he had been by their side in times of hardship and in times of joy.
It was strange.
Mr. Tasha, the empty man in whom life had only recently begun to stir, was capable of bringing forth genuine emotions in others. Yet for himself, it was as if he had been frozen for a long time, and only now was the ice beginning to melt.
…
Mr. Tasha approached the entrance of his company and saw Mary and Charlie there.
The handsome young man with green eyes and dark black hair, a heavy stance and a strong build, and the gentle young woman with thick eyebrows, captivating honey colored eyes, and dense black hair.
They were waiting for Mr. Tasha. Each of them had a story with him, they had all known one another for years.
The day was different for them, and different for Mr. Tasha as well.
"Hello, Charlie and Mary. Is there anything you need before heading off on your leave?" Mr. Tasha spoke in a friendly and gentle tone.
"Thank you, Mr. Tasha, but I truly hope you'll attend the party and the wedding as well. We know you don't like social occasions, but… just this once, at least, think about it." Mary said calmly and firmly, expressing her wish. Charlie supported her, nodding his head.
"Don't worry. I'll be there, I'm truly happy for you both." Mr. Tasha smiled lightly, a smile that stirred surprise.
Neither of them had seen Mr. Tasha smile in a long time.
Charlie had spoken with him earlier that morning and told Mary about how different Mr. Tasha seemed from before. Even so, seeing it for the second time, he was still astonished.
Mary also looked on in disbelief. Mr. Tasha had once been cold even when he smiled, everyone knew he was merely pleasing them.
This was a great difference.
And it made them genuinely happy.
…