The Girl Named Mirage

Elven decided to finally go back to work after 2 months of absence. After he left their house to his mother-in-law, he spent another month furnishing the house he bought to keep himself busy and his mind occupied.

He was still sad. He had gotten so used to being alone, but he still missed having someone else around him. Even though they were gone for good, Elven knew they would always be a part of his life. His wife was a beautiful woman who gave her love freely. His daughter was sweet and loving just like her mom. He now fell in love with their memory and memories were what kept him going through these lonely days.

The house he purchased before the accident was simple. And the place where it was, is comfortable and safe. It was located just outside the city. It was surrounded by large trees, and was situated on a hill. The view there was quite nice.

There was a wooden bench where he could sit in the backyard as he admired the sky and enjoyed the warm weather. Or when he could look up at the moon that shines in the cold night and make everything seem like it will be alright.

But this time, it didn’t seem like it was going to be okay for Elven. Not anymore.

Elven was going through a stack of documents at his small office in the hardware store that he worked for as the manager. It was inside one of the branches of a known Supermall in the country. Their hardware store was also known throughout.

Someone knocked at the door and entered the room. It was the store crews.

“I’m really sorry about your loss, sir,” an employee named Miss Elisa said. She’s also the team leader and she looks out for the store when Elven’s not around.

She walked towards him and handed a bouquet of flowers. She was smiling at him while speaking and looking sincere. And he appreciated that she tried to make him feel better.

“Thank you. ” He let out a sigh and smiled at them.

” What a touching scene we have here. ” A voice sounded from behind the staff. It sounds sarcastic.

He’s wearing a black suit. He has dark sunglasses on, his hair slicked back, and a white shirt under his suit jacket. But the most notable thing is his sharp black eyes as he removed his sunglasses and walked in front of the staff.

” Mr. Harvey, good to see you. ” Elven said politely. The staff greeted him also. He was the company’s General Manager.

” How’s your 2 months vacation Mr. Sanford? ” implying as if Elven enjoys his absence. The staff were quiet all of sudden, not knowing how to respond to the rudeness.

” I’m afraid that’s none of your business. ” Elven says calmly but coldly.

Harvey smirked.

” Don’t try to act tough now. ” He walks to the chair beside Elven’s desk and sits on it. Everyone’s eyes follow the new comer.

” I’m here to announce that our company has been bought. We have a new CEO. ” Harvey grinned. ” Might as well get a new manager in this branch, what do you think? ”

The staff were confused. They look at each other and ask themselves who could buy such a huge chain of stores like that.

” What are you talking about? ” Elven asks. The company wasn’t suffering any financial problem or loss so why would they sell this?

” You’re not stupid, right? So I guess I’ll be blunt. You know why I’m here?” Harvey looks at him. Elven remain silent.

” I thought you’re smart enough to get what I’m saying, Mr. Sanford. The company was bought not because of financial problems but because of its potential. And the new owner made a deal with a large sum of money that’s why the former owners didn’t hesitate anymore. ” Harvey smirks again.

” I’m here to say that you’re going to be fired. ” Mr. Harvey said matter of fact. He despised Elven so much because he couldn’t pocketed money from this branch. The process of funds transfer from this branch was so transparent that he couldn’t do anything. And even though he tried to steal from him several times in the past, he just failed to do so because the accounting department would notice that he’s the cause of the theft.

” I’ll tell the management to fire you because you’re incompetent and irresponsible. ” referring to that one time when they got a complaint because of faulty wirings from a hand drill that was purchased at their store that caused a fire. But that was proven false because that item really doesn’t come from their store.

Mr. Harvey insisted that it still causes them a bad reputation and that’s because of Elven, the old management doesn’t think like him so they didn’t do anything to Elven. But with the new management, this time he was going to get rid of the annoying person who keeps messing with him.

Elven was a nice guy. Everyone loved him. But apparently Harvey isn’t fond of nice people. Elven was too kind hearted. There’s really no reason for Harvey or the company to fire him but he needs to because of his wrong doings.

It was a shock. Elven eyes narrowed but still kept his mouth shut. The staff didn’t say anything either. They don’t know how to react. Why would an outstanding and hardworking manager like Elven need to be fired?

” I know what you’re thinking. But I’ll make sure that everyone’s going to know your incompetence and how incompetent you are. ” Harvey added.

That last sentence made Elven smile bitterly. He knows he’s not perfect. But he’s doing everything he can.

” Now I’m done here, I’m leaving. You know, I don’t want to see that face of yours ever again. You can submit your resignation letter tomorrow . ” Harvey stood up.

” I don’t think that’s necessary, Mr. Fred Harvey. ” a voice of a man suddenly heard from behind the door and it opened.