I opened up to her. "It''s just...my friends have been super helpful recently, especially ra. But currently, she''s out of state, and I know Dennis has been helping out a lot too, but I don''t want to keep asking favors of him. It feels like I''m constantly indebted to others. So...it''s just hard to manage everything right now. Every day feels like a bncing act between work and Amie''s needs."


    She nodded, her voice filled withpassion. She reassuringly reached for my hand, "I get it that family is a valid reason to skip, and so I don''t want to force any decisions on you." She leaned forward and looked straight at me.


    "But let me be upfront with you, I personally rmended that your name be added to the list. Now I see it''s not going to be possible to attend."


    "That was unexpected." I managed behind the surprise at her thoughtfulness, my eyes widening "Thank you, Remj. That means a lot to me. I didn''t realize you had that much faith in me."


    She continued, "also, I want you to know that the management is taking note of your hard work. They''ll be selecting employees for promotion and incentives soon, and I think you''d be a strong candidate." My curiosity piqued. "What kind of incentives?"


    Remi smiled. "Let''s just say the kind that could help with Amie''s hospital fees. We''re talking bonuses, additional benefits...it could make a big difference. And I think you deserve it, Anastasia. You''ve been working tirelessly, and your dedication hasn''t gone unnoticed."


    Unbidden, tears welled up in my eyes, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Remi. Just knowing that you''re considering me for this means everything."


    Her expression turned warm as she patted the back of my hand. "You''re an invaluable member of our team, Anastasia. And I want to see you seed, both personally and professionally. About the retreat, maybe next time."


    I smiled, genuinely this time. "Thank you." I repeated for the umpteenth time.


    "Lest I forget, Ana," her voice stopped me from getting up. "I''ll be retiring soon." She announced so casually like she had just suggested a walk in the park,N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    The news dropped on me like a bombshell, taking mepletely by surprise. Remi was advanced in age but not so much that she would be considering a resignation so soon. "H-how? Why?" I quizzed, momentarily stunned for words.


    "I figured it''s about time I stepped down and handed it over to someone even more capable than I am. I''m not some selfish fart that will want to hog this position to my grave."


    Weughed at her joke. I just couldn''t help it. Her smile faded, slowly reced by an intense seriousness as her eyes soon pinned on me.


    "In all frankness, you''re the most capable person to hand over this position to as you are dedicated and -very effective." She informed me, at the same time, studying my face for a reaction.


    stood motionless, at loss for what to feel. My mind was running riot with her suggestions. "I appreciate your thoughts towards me but don''t you think it''s a little too early? For goodness sakes, there are many


    others who have served for years before I joined thepany. Why me? Why not them?"


    "Oh, please," she let out a scoff with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Have you seen yourself work? Most of your colleagues are really not up to par with you and say this out of something I have witnessed personally. You arepletely brilliant, Anastasia. Once again, this is for you to ponder on. No pressure. Let me know what you think. Remember that we''ll always be here if you need anything. I have an appointment I''mte for and I should be on my way now."


    She picked up her handbag while I followed behind her, still numb from her announcement. She exited the ce and I continued on my way back to my cubicle.


    On the brighter side, I thought with a shove at the cloud of uncertainty hovering around me, there was something better to look forward to. It surrounded me with a new air of excitement at the prospects of the incentives Remi had mentioned to me.


    ra was out of town and my reach. Asking Dennis for another favor might just be too burdensome for him. He had a life that didn''t revolve around my small family. Perhaps I might be overthinking it? I thought back to the retreat.


    I stared at the memo with a different lens. Perhaps it wasn''t entirely a bad idea to want to be in Hawaii. I clicked "ept" and leaned back in my seat.


    "Just a week and I''d be back home to my baby."