AT THE OFFICE
692 Words
Mr. Andrew arrived at his workplace at exactly 8:30 a.m. He was an accounting clerk at Keystone Bank. He knew all too well what awaited him at the office that morning. Though he wasn’t afraid of the consequences, he silently prayed that this wouldn’t be the day he got laid off, especially after receiving a prior warning from the Managing Director.
As he stepped out of his car and walked past the entrance into the lobby, he avoided making eye contact with his colleagues, hoping to evade their questions and avoid drawing unnecessary attention from clients. He acknowledged their greetings almost grudgingly.
"Good morning, sir," his secretary, Miss Cindy, greeted him.
"Morning, Cindy," he responded immediately, as if he had hot porridge in his mouth.
"Sir—"
"Yes? How may I help you, young lady?" he interrupted her hastily.
"Not to worry, sir, I'll come by your office later," Cindy replied.
"Better," he said, raising his right hand as a signal for her to say no more.
Miss Cindy was a young woman in her late twenties. She had completed her high school education in Nigeria before traveling to America for university, where she earned a B.Sc. in Accounting. Like many Nigerians, she could have stayed back after her studies to secure a well-paying job, but she rejected that idea, despite the encouragement from her parents and older siblings. She strongly believed that success in life depended on three key principles: determination, dedication, and discipline—what she fondly called the "Three Ds" or the "Triangle of Success."
Mr. Andrew managed to settle into his office. About thirty minutes later, Cindy entered to hand over the meeting schedule with the marketing department of Goya Oil Company. He took the document, glanced at it briefly, and dropped it on his desk.
"And, sir..." Cindy stammered.
"Yes, what is it now?" he snapped, clearly irritated.
Though terrified by his tone, she knew she had to relay the message. "The Managing Director asked that you report to his office upon your arrival," she informed him.
"Alright then, get back to your desk."
Cindy returned to her seat, still shaken, goosebumps covering her skin. She was stunned—her boss had never spoken to her in such a condescending manner before.
Meanwhile, Mr. Andrew hastily arranged the files on his desk, which were still in disarray since he hadn’t started working due to his lateness. Adjusting his tie and composing himself, he made his way to the Managing Director’s office.
He exchanged pleasantries with the director's secretary before stepping inside.
"Good morning, sir," he greeted.
Mr. Edwin, the Managing Director, adjusted his glasses and looked at him sharply. Clearing his throat, he began, "You have the temerity to show up late to work? What time do you think it is? I saw you arrive."
"Please, sir, I can explain—"
"Save your flimsy excuses!" Mr. Edwin cut him off, his voice rising with anger. "I don’t want to hear any of your gibberish. Listen to me, and listen well—you’re not the only competent person for this position. Your attitude toward work has become terrible."
Mr. Andrew swallowed hard as his boss continued.
"If you repeat this nonchalant behavior, you will be laid off. A job vacancy ad will go out, and you will be replaced immediately. It’s clear to me that you’ve already lost interest in this job. Your attitude speaks volumes, and it’s only speeding up your dismissal."
Mr. Andrew’s heart pounded. "I'm truly sorry for my poor attitude to work, sir. Please, I promise it won’t happen again," he pleaded sincerely.
Mr. Edwin sighed. "Get back to your office and get to work."
"Thank you, sir," Mr. Andrew replied before turning to leave.
Just as he took his second step toward the door, Mr. Edwin’s voice stopped him.
"Mr. Andrew..."
"Yes, sir?" he responded, turning back.
"Just know this—and know peace—I’ve got my eyes on you." Mr. Edwin pointed two fingers toward his eyes and then at Mr. Andrew in warning.
With that, Mr. Andrew exited the office and made his way back to his desk.
- Writer
