Ashley
The conference room looked different today. The usual stacks of reports and the tense atmosphere of deadlines were gone. Instead, colorful streamers hung from the ceiling and a "We'll Miss You, Ashley!" banner stretched across the wall.
My colleagues had brought in an assortment of pastries and fruit platters that now covered the meeting table where we'd spent countless hours strategizing and problem-solving.
"Speech! Speech!" Mei called out, raising her paper cup of sparkling cider.
I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked around at the familiar faces. Six months of my life in this company, six months of early mornings, late nights, shared frustrations, and celebrated victories.
"I don't know what to say," I finally managed, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "You all
