A knock at the door. I look behind me as I fill my cup with tea. Who could it be? I don’t expect anyone today. Richard isn’t around, so I have the office all to myself—something I don’t like. I am used to having him around, and besides, he’s good company. His dark humor will unquivocally annoy someone, only to make you laugh. “Please come in,” answered whilst sitting down. The project manager enters with a black file. She looks elegant in a black suit and white blouse with pearls embroidered on the neckline. “Good morning,” she says, handing over a file. “These are the new kit designs. We don’t intend to discard the original product. We will keep them. But I want a variety from which the children can select. We designed relatable aesthetics that the child would resonate with. Hopefully, you agree with the plan,” she states eloquently. I gingerly flip through the pages. “I need your signature,” she asserts. 

“Now,” I ask in disbelief. “Can it be done now?” she questions with doubt. “No, I need to read through,” I state while looking at the file. “Unfortunately, we don’t have much time,” she admits hastily. “I will sign tomorrow, “I state calmly. 

“I will be glad,” she says and walks out unbothered. 

She should be mad, but I couldn’t sign. I flip through the pages. It’s a new project, and I need time to study her plan. I wade through; no doubt the design will increase our market share. She must have consulted an expert. It has been designed to equip the learner with all scholarly material. All the scholastic materials fit in the pockets. I am afraid that the price of each kit is a bit too high compared to what we currently charge. Our clients should appreciate this new kit. Steadily, I hold my cup of tea. I sip whilst reading through the plan. I carve a bite: an accompaniment to my tea. But how can I get a bite right now? If it had occurred to me earlier, I would have passed by the bakery. It can’t happen now. I am confined to a chair reviewing this document that can’t wait. The sole reason why life is so hard. You can’t have it all. To stay afloat and brave through the storm, you wrestle with life. It is quite unpleasant. But does one ever have a choice if you don’t like to fail? I always run away from emptiness. Because no man ever wants to face defeat. 

©joeln