fired.
The company’s revenue had declined in recent months, several employees had already been let go, and I was the only person in my family with a steady income.
My mother lived with me. My younger brother was still in school. If I lost my job, I had no idea what I would do.
At four o’clock on Friday, Richard came downstairs. He was not even wearing a tie.
“Let’s go.”
“Where?”
“Not far.”
Ten minutes later, we arrived at a small park. We walked to a bench. Richard sat down. I remained standing.
“Sit down, Emily.”
“Mr. Bennett, if you’re going to fire me, please just say it.”
He looked at me silently for a moment.
Then he said,
“Fine. As of today, you no longer work for me.”
My heart dropped. Even though I had expected those words, hearing them was completely different.
“Can I ask why?”
“Because
I’ve made my decision.”
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
He folded his hands.
“I can keep you in the company on only one condition.”
I looked at him immediately. At that moment, my mind went to the worst possible place. His voice was calm. Too calm.
“What condition?”
Richard looked directly into my eyes.
“If you want to stay, starting tomorrow, you will no longer work for me for a salary.”
For several seconds, I did not understand what he meant.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
“You want me to work for free?”
He did not answer. That silence hurt more than anything. Seven years.
I had stayed at the office late countless times. I had come in even when I was sick.
I had saved meetings, fixed last-minute contract problems, and dealt with difficult clients for him.
And now he was telling me I could stay
