It was the year 2009 when it happened. While the news of retrenchment was all over. I did not expect it to be me. I worked so hard for the company, always being the first to come and the last to go. Taking my work home if I could not finish. But I was always the unappreciated one. All others that licked my boss's shoe got all the promotions and credits. While the quiet me could only tolerate the nonsense. It was nearing the end of the year when it was time to review our work performance.
I was always excited about this day. The day which will fill my wallets fuller with perhaps an extra month. Each staff went in and came out with a broad smile on their faces.
Boss: Max!
I hurriedly went in, trying to figure out how many months I will be taking. My palms were sweating due to the excitement.
There I was in my boss's office. His huge room was easily the size of my living room with huge antique vases, a water foundation at the corner of the room, heavily decorated with the chinese calligraphic phrases and paintings all over. There was a distinct gold plated abacus framed up with dollar notes. He was always boasting about how he bid it with the amount of money he had. I've always liked that frame and wondered when I could afford to bid it myself.
Boss: Close the door and have a seat.
I nodded. There he was, the oversized man that had a really close resemblance to Thanos from Marvel. He may have been a huge fan of him as his fingers were filled with jade and ruby rings. I closed the door and sat down happily with the gleam on my eyes.
Boss: You have been with us for 6 years now. You have been a great help to us, Max.
He passed me a white envelop and I opened it happily. But what lies in it was a termination letter.
Boss: You know that the economy is not doing well Max. I'm sorry for it. There's a 3 month's pay inside. All the best in your future. Let me know if you need any help.
I looked at him. For all the hard work I put in whilst the others were skiving. For all the dedication. I took a deep breath and left.
Looking at all the faces outside checking their bonuses upset me. Why was I the only one?
Now the colleague I hated most came.
Alvin: How? Your bonus must be darn high one lo. You are the most hardworking here right?
He jeered at him and snatched the envelop.
Alvin: Let me announce your bonus to all the people here!
He opened it and then read out loud.
Alvin: Oh he got a termination letter! Hahaha AHHAHAHAA for all the work you put in! Aahahahahahaha LOSER...losseeerrrr!
My face turned red with embarrassment. My boss was standing outside his room. He stared at Alvin.
Boss: Alvin, you will start packing up. I don't need idiots like you. Your bonus will be confiscated. Now return it to him and get out of my sight. You will be terminated with immediate effect.
He threw the letter at me as he spit on the floor.
At least my boss saved me the humiliation. I packed and left for home.
The feeling was fucked up. Really fucked up.
I drove and stopped at the usual place I always go to when I'm feeling down. The quiet Changi beach. I took out a cigarette and took a deep puff, feeling the menthol feel the insides of my throat before exhaling through my nostrils. I just stood there for around an hour when my phone rang.
Me: Hello?
Unknown: "Hi is that Max?"
Me: Yes speaking.
Unknown: I'm Steph from XX company. You are being headhunted. Can you come down for an interview?
Me: Sure. When?
Steph: Would 3pm today be fine for you?
Me: Sure.
What a turn of events. Taking the last puff, I left and went to the address that Steph gave me.
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