ANASTASIA


    I scanned the memo on myputer screen, the words "Corporate Retreat" and "Team-Building" jumping out at me. The office buzzed with excitement, the rest of my colleagues chatting animatedly about the uing getaway.


    "Can you believe it? A whole week in Hawaii!" A blonde haired woman eximed, hovering over my


    shoulder.


    "I know, right? I''ve already started a mental assemge of all the vacation outfits I''ll be needing," chimed in another man from across the room.


    Their excitement, ring as it was, did not seem to cut through my dampened mood. Hawaii? I forced a smile, trying to hide my disappointment. I knew I would not be able to attend because of the state of Amie''s health.


    It wasn''t so much of a topic of debate especially when the life of my daughter was involved. I would always put her interest first.


    My fingers flew across the keyboard as I typed a message to decline the retreat offer. "Sorry, I won''t be able to attend the corporate retreat due to personal reasons..."


    I had barelypleted the first sentence in when a stack of paper dropped on my desk, momentarily distracting me from my purpose on myputer. It was Remi.


    "Anastasia, I need you to work on this document and submit it to my office personally."


    I looked up from myputer after saving my draft. "Of course, Remi. What''s the deadline?"


    "End of today. It''s a priority project," She replied, walking away.


    "I''ll get it done." I called after her. A deep sigh escaped my lips when the buzz had quietened and I was left with my thoughts ringing loud again.


    I drifted back to my screen, staring at the draft still waiting to be sent. Was I making a mistake by not being in attendance?


    Amie''s health left me no choice. In that conclusion, I push those burdensome thoughts out of my head to focus on the new task Remi had sent.


    I settled into my cubicle, the document Remi handed me now open on myputer screen. The file wasbeled "Product Specification Sheet: New nt-Based Protein Bar." I began reviewing the contents, eyes scanning the sections on ingredients, nutritional content, and manufacturing processes.


    I made a few notes and suggestions, new ideas for improvement, ensuring every detail was urate andpliant with industry regtions.


    In no time, Ipleted the work, stacked the papers back into the same neat file it came in and made my way to Remi''s office for the submission.


    "That was quite fast." Remi beamed at me as I walked into her space with the file in hand. "I really appreciate your hard work on this. You''re a lifesaver."


    "It was nothing." I forced a sunny smile to mirror hers, downying my efforts. "So, here''s the finished spec sheet. I made sure to double-check every detail.


    I waited for her to scan the documents. When her eyes raised to meet mine, her eyes lit up even more. "It looks perfect, Ana. Exactly up to par. But that isn''t the real reason I asked you to submit this personally."


    My faux smile faltered, confusion visible on my features. She tucked the files away in her drawer, then pointed to a seat in front of her. I did as asked, wanting to be done and out of her office.


    Her eyes were doing that thing again, probing into your life through your eyes. Soon, her expression turned concerned, her voice softening. "I overheard something and I''m sorry if this feels like intrusion but I wanna know. Will you be going on the corporate retreat?"


    I couldn''t hold her gaze anymore as my eyes fell to my thighs. "No, I won''t be in attendance. I was just going to tell you about it." I forced my gaze back up.


    She nodded, understanding my plight. "Is it because of Amie? How is she doing, by the way?"


    Emotions welled up within me at the mention of Amie''s condition. It was too much for me to handle at this point in my life. I cleared my throat to reply but it cracked anyway,dened with sadness. "She''s... she''s still in the hospital. And to be honest, I just can''t imagine leaving her behind, even for a week. She needs me right now, and I need to be there for her."


    Remi''s expression turned sympathetic, her eyes softening as she listened to my predicament.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    n? You know we''re


    "Ipletely understand. Familyes first, always. But is there anything else going on? a supportive team. We can help in any way we can."


    I could hear the genuine concern, which is not verymon to see in a world as cutthroat as a corporate


    one.


    I sighed and felt a bit of weighte off my chest.