Contrary to expectations, I slept like a baby that night. I was under the impression that the whole convenience store fiasco would keep me up, perhaps it was because I got home at the crack of dawn.
In fact, I slept so well I was running late the next morning. I jolted awake by habit and checked my phone only to see 8.02am. It was mortifying to run outside. Only in the car did I realise my shirt was buttoned incorrectly. I shouldn't have smashed my alarm clock no matter how outrageous my dream was. Sigh…
Again, I skipped my usual routine, thus allowing me to arrive at work just briefly before it was time to officially clock in. Unsurprisingly, a new stack of papers had spawned on my desk overnight.
I felt a mass of pitying looks on my back alongside a crack in my soul. I looked back at my team in disappointment to which I was met with heads that quickly turned back into their computers.
"…"
I was speechless. What happened to teamwork? The jokes roaming the office claiming the QA department was essentially a one man effort almost seemed factual. I swear I'll remember these traitors…
Behind the stack was a cup of coffee from my usual cafe that I had neglected for two days straight now. I had to admit that I was a bit touched. The sticky note on the cup wrote in a familiar handwriting:
Double espresso shot for Mr Lin, good luck!
Liu Junran
My eyes teared up slightly as I clutched my chest and looked at our team's baby. Perhaps I was getting more emotional with age, I glanced at Junran's puppy-like face who was working hard.
In the end our diligent new intern is the only one who cares about me… My moment of emotion was quickly broken after memories of me indirectly tormenting Mr Liu crossed my mind.
Ahem… How childish of me. Anyways, I should apologise later, after this. My eyes narrowed again at the work placed shamelessly on my desk. Seriously, is this even legal? Whatever, for now I'll just have to get it done.
Although the work was astronomically loaded, our department's pay is actually on the generous side. Perhaps that's why no one has quit on us yet. Well, if someone were to resign at this time their workload would be passed onto the rest of us. Good thing no one's thinking of-
"Sir, I'd like to submit my resignation."
The coffee I had just put in my mouth was about to spill out as I looked up at Ms Han who had just dropped a bomb on me. Everyone turned their heads to stare, well, Ms Han had been here the longest out of everyone.
"M-Ms Han..?"
My eyes blanked as the corner of my lip twitched.
"You can't be serious right now."
I was about to tear the resignation letter on the spot but I hesitated. Sure, everyone was not looking their best due to the constant overtime we were subjected to, but she… The usually playful Ms Han was nowhere to be seen. Her face was more haggard than usual, even more so in comparison to everyone on the team.
I put my hand on my chin before responding.
"Please think it over. If you are still sure after the two week period then I will approve of it…"
Although this was the worst case scenario, I could not say no after seeing her face. This woman has worked with me for almost 8 years now. I was sure something was wrong.
I patted her shoulder as she looked more glum. She nodded before returning to her cubicle. I got through my work mechanically without even noticing the day shift into night. Working overtime was the norm at this office, yet there was only one other keyboard typing at the moment.
The others must've gone to the work dinner. I had used overtime as an excuse to avoid it as having a hangover the next day would be a hassle, but I was unaware of anyone else staying.
Eventually I realised it was Ms Han who stayed behind as well. She had always tried to avoid work dinners after all so it wasn't surprising. I thought to myself, perfect timing actually.
I got up and tapped her shoulder, tilting my head to the door to signal a break. I caught a glimpse of her work space which was emptier than what I had last seen. The [Requiem] merchandise that coloured her otherwise dull cubicle seemed to have dwindled from what I could last recall, leaving just one badge of 'Asher Koran' pinned on her board. She got up and followed me to the break room, where I gave her a cup of water.
I hesitated before finally speaking.
"Ms Han, Is everything okay?"
She looked hesitant and so, I did not push further. I just smiled reassuringly while placing my hand on her shoulder.
"If you have any trouble please don't hesitate to ask for help, considering how long we've known each other, it's not a problem whatsoever."
I thought I might have caught a glimpse of sadness in her eyes but was sharply cut off.
"Of course, section chief. I have been looking after you since you were an intern after all."
She smiled, yet it did not reach her eyes.
I simply nodded as it's not like I can force her to speak. It did sadden me slightly that she's struggling alone though. After all, we were coworkers who suffered greatly under the same company. But alas, I've said all that I could.
"Whatever it is, I hope it gets better."
I shut the break room's door behind me and paused briefly before returning to pack up my things. While I was sorting out my belongings, she knocked on my desk.
"See you on Monday, Mr Lin, I have some extra work to finish.."
"See you."
After we exchanged farewells I left the office with a heavy heart. Her eyes, although dimly lit, were red. I sighed as I recalled hearing her muffled cries beyond the door.
The car that was parked outside the parking lot was frozen once again. I sighed, breathing in the cold night air. I waited for the car to start properly and went straight home for the day. I'm so tired of this. I wish [Requiem] would just be discontinued.