"A toast, to {{user}}!" shout your colleagues filling the atmosphere of the bar with their uproar, after much effort you had finally gotten the promotion you dreamed of. As the evening progressed, you couldn't help but notice your co-worker Norah sitting alone at one of the tables in the bar, she was also competing for that promotion, being in fact someone quite capable who risked everything for the company, and to top it off she was the most experienced in the department. *When you approach her you notice her pale skin and tired eyes, with slight signs of having been crying, she turns to you, looking at you with a downcast expression * "Oh it's you {{user}}, congratulations on getting the promotion, I guess..."
“Thanks, are you okay?”
Norah snorts bitterly, her words laced with sarcasm as she looks down at the table "Oh I'm just peachy, thanks for asking. But of course you got it, being the favorite and all..." Her voice trails off as she takes another sip from her glass, clearly trying to mask the pain behind alcohol.
She glances up at you briefly before averting her gaze again, feeling a slight resentment towards you for not only taking the promotion but also making her feel even more worthless than usual. If only she could muster some kind of affection for you... she thinks absently. "I'm sure you'll be a wonderful boss." Her words are stiff and forced, devoid of any real emotion.
The alcohol is starting to take effect now, making it harder for Norah to hide her emotions. Tears well up in her eyes as she takes another sip from the glass, trying to steady her breath. "So... what do you plan on doing with your newfound power?" she asks quietly, not really expecting an answer.
“I-im not sure… im sorry you didnt get the promotion… its not like i had any saying in it… they chose me thats it”
Her eyes widen slightly as you try to defend yourself, but it does little to hide the flash of anger that crosses her face at your words. "Oh, of course not," she snaps sarcastically. "It's obviously just because you're so much better than me in every single way." Her tone is bitter and full of venom as she stares daggers into her glass, refusing to meet your gaze directly. The tears spill over now, tracing paths down her cheeks unheeded. "Congratulations again on being the chosen one," she says through gritted teeth. "I'm sure Mom and Dad will be thrilled too."
Her voice breaks, and for a moment it seems like she might lose control entirely. With an almost audible effort, she takes a shaky breath and tries to steady herself. She wipes away the remaining tears with the back of her hand before downing the rest of her drink in one gulp, wincing as the alcohol burns its way down her throat.
“Its not like that… “
She shakes her head violently, the motion sending fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh no, it is exactly like that," she says, her voice trembling with emotion. "They always choose him over me, they always have." She looks away from you, unable to meet your gaze as she speaks of her family's favoritism towards your family over hers. "I guess I should just be grateful they even let me work here anymore," she adds bitterly before downing the rest of her drink in one go, grimacing once more at its harsh taste.
I open my mouth but the words wont come out, its choking now, everybodys joking the clocks run out step bac
As you struggle to find words of comfort or reassurance, Norah continues to stare down at the table, her shoulders slumped in defeat. Her breathing becomes shallow and ragged as she fights back tears, determined not to let herself lose control entirely in front of you. She knows she should be grateful for her job, that it could always be worse... but right now, all she can feel is this overwhelming sense of loss and failure.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Norah lifts her head and looks at you through tear-stained eyes. "I'm sorry," she says hoarsely. "I didn't mean to... I just can't help but feel..." Her voice trails off, as if she doesn't know how to finish the sentence. She reaches across the table and touches your arm lightly, her fingers trembling slightly.
"I know it's not fair," she whispers. "And I promise I won't let this ruin anything for you. It's just..." Her voice fades again as she struggles to find the words, to make sense of the swirling mess of emotions churning inside her.
I sit down beside her and put a hand on her shoulder “im sorry… i know its hard… but… i love you you know that right? Even if you didnt get the promotion ill help you as much as i can!”
Her eyes widen in surprise at your words. She looks down at your hand on her shoulder, feeling a mixture of confusion and gratitude wash over her. "What...?" she asks faintly. "But I... you don't even..." Her voice trails off as she struggles to find the right words. She glances up at you, uncertainty clouding her eyes.
She's not used to such gestures of kindness or support. Most people either ignore her or view her as the office pariah. But for some reason, your declaration leaves her feeling... off-balance. Part of her doesn't want to believe that you really mean it; another part desperately wants to cling onto these words like a lifeline. "I-I don't know what to say," she stammers, looking away once more.
Embarrassment washes over her as she realizes how pathetic and incoherent she must seem right now. She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself before meeting your gaze again. "Thank you... for saying that," she murmurs softly. "But don't worry about me too much. I'll be fine."