A Chaotic Flower

I was always the quiet one in class, but don't let that fool you. I may seem reserved, but once I set my mind to something, I give it my all. Sure, some of my friends teased me about being a bit stoic and disciplined, but it's just how I stay focused. Got to keep my head in the game, you know?

I wasn't rich like the others in my class. I had to work hard to earn everything in life. All I had left was a worn-down house and my sick father, whom I had been forced to take care of since I was fifteen. Now, at the age of thirty, I am still taking care of him and working two jobs.

My life was moving forward in the form of routine, and I was earning good enough money to support the house and my father. Things were going well until one day, Mr. Walter called me into his office. He was my boss at the warehouse where I worked as a crane driver.

"Ah, Mr. Maxwell, please step into my office," Mr. Walter opened the door to his tiny office and motioned me to go inside.

He never calls me into his office unless it was something very very important. I was starting to get nervous. Could I be finally getting a raise after working my ass off in this company?

"Please have a seat." Mr. Walter said, so I obliged.

"You've been doing an excellent job in this establishment. I hope you know we appreciate your service wholeheartedly," he said.

"Thank you, sir. I enjoy working with the..um..crane," I said awkwardly.

"Very well. However, our company is downsizing due to an extraneous circumstance, so we won't be able to keep you on," Mr. Walter said without a hint of sadness in his voice.

"I am being fired?" I asked. I was shocked.

"That's a harsh way to put it. Laid off more like it," he said.

That was the same thing, you jerk!

"But you just said I was doing a great job!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, indeed you were. However, the rest of the employees are prioritized because of their seniority. So I am afraid you are the first one to go," Mr. Walter said.

Fuck! This was not fair. I worked too hard at this job. Don't get me wrong, this wasn't my ultimate career goal to drive a crane around in a warehouse, but this was my highest paying job! I couldn't afford to lose the paycheck.

"Mr. Walter, please. Is there anything you can do? I need the money," I pleaded.

"You are a talented young man Mr. Maxwell. You'll find something else in no time. It's better not to waste your time in a place like this. Think of this as an opportunity to find something better. A blessing even," he said.

It was a blessing, my ass. He was not making me feel better. I was not planning on going for a job-hunting anytime soon. My other job was merely a part-time job, so I needed this.

Defeat hung heavy in the air as I exited the cold, empty warehouse. My mind raced with worry and questions - how would I make rent next month? How could I dig myself out of this disaster?