From Roots to Riches

West groggily opened his eyes, rubbing the fatigue from them, unwilling to start the day. His small cluttered room seemed to suffocate him. He sighed, remembering the long hours he spent in the office yesterday trying to round up an account that Donald had insisted he finished up. After getting home late, he had gone straight to bed to catch few hours of sleep. Before marrying Nancy, her parents Donald and Anna Greene, had welcomed him with opened arms. They’d treated him like a son, showering him with affection and support, even went as far as offering him a Job. At that moment, West thought he’d found the family he never had. But after the wedding, their mask slipped, and their true personality was revealed. They hated him so much that sometimes it became difficult to breathe. They crushed him at every given opportunity, abused and embarrassed him in public places, and even spat on him whenever they were in the mood. It’d been three months and he still felt like a slave in their home, never truly belonging. His thoughts swirled as he swung his legs over the side of the bed, his heavy frame straining the mattress. He dragged himself to the bathroom, and winced at his reflection in the mirror. At twenty-seven, his excessive weight still mocked him. He had always been so conscious of his size. But then Nancy came into his life five months ago and made him feel like the most handsome man alive. She’d loved all of him, every single bit. She was the reason he was still in this marriage, receiving s**t from her parents. He loved her so much, and was determined to make her love him again. He vowed to make their marriage work, regardless of every hurdle they faced. As he brushed his teeth, he made a mental list: lose weight and be a better husband. He smiled as he washed himself thoroughly, and dressed up for work. He stepped out to have breakfast but noticed that the family was almost done eating. Mr Donald looked up from his food, his gaze directed at him, “You sloth, what are you still doing here, you should be at the office already, going through that account again,” He barked, “We have a deadline to meet you!” “I’m sorry, sir. I’ll be on my way immediately after breakfast.” he said, coming forward, his stomach rumbling and his mouth watering as his eyes scanned the food on the table. He had forgotten to eat last night. “What breakfast!” Mr. Donald’s harsh voice made him stop short. “There’s none left for you. You shouldn’t even be eating. See how fat you look. You’ve finished all the food in my house. Get out!” He barked, giving him a cold stare, Annie also turned to stare at him, while Nancy completely ignored him, focusing on her meal. Unable to take it any longer. West turned and left the house, the rumbling growing louder with each step he took. Outside, he got into the car that Mr Donald had given him for work purposes, and placed his head on the steering wheel. “When will this end?” he muttered to himself as he put on the ignition and started driving. As he drove past a coffee shop, he swung by to grab a quick bite, hastily selecting a burger to satiate his growling stomach. Returning to his car, still parked outside the shop, he settled in and took a satisfying bite, savoring the flavors. With renewed energy, he finished his breakfast, started the engine, and pulled out of the parking spot, heading towards the office. He pulled into the parking lot of The Greene Agency, a beautiful glass tower building. After finding a parking spot, he stepped out of his car and strode into the building, making his way to the third floor where his office was located. He existed the elevator and walked down the hallway, passing by the bustling creative department, until he reached his office - a cozy space with the city view, situated directly across from Mr. Donald’s office, separated by only a thin wall. As Mr Donald’s personal secretary, he had to stay at close proximity to him, even though the work he puts in was more of a creative director’s job. But he didn’t mind. He readily offered his creative ideas, hoping for a promotion some day. He dropped his office bag on his desk and got down to work, immediately going through the Sterling account again. He loved working on this account because he had always dreamed of working for Sterling foods. But he’d only faced rejection after rejection. He knew it wouldn’t be easy because Sterling Foods was the dominating food industry across New York and beyond. The company was only accessible to ivy league alumni and the most elite professionals, making it a daunting and unattainable goal for anyone outside of that elite circle. He was so engrossed in his work that he didn’t notice Mr. Donald’s arrival, until he was standing in front of his desk. “Come into my office.” he commanded, before turning to go in. “Yes sir.” West replied, as he stood up and quickly followed him in. Mr. Donald’s office was spacious and comfortable, with a large desk and couches in the centre. On both Shelves next to his desk were art pieces and awards showcasing the agency’s creative work. West followed closely behind him as he made his way behind his desk. “Have you rounded up everything concerning Sterling Foods?” Mr. Donald asked, taking his seat. “Yes sir.”West replied. “Good. Place it on my desk before leaving.” Mr. Donald said, dismissing him with a wave of his hands. Then he faced his computer, about to get busy. “Where to sir? Do you need me to run an errand for you?” West asked, eager to please his father in-law. He looked up from his computer, his gray eyes fixed on West. “I didn’t mention it before?” He asked. “Mention what sir?” West asked, still confused. “You’re no longer useful to me here.” He said flatly. West stood rooted at a spot, still feeling confused. “ I don’t understand sir.” “You don’t have to be. We are laying off some employees and you happen to be part of them.” With little or no emotion on his face, he continued, “Pack your things and get out! You’re fired.”