A few days had passed since Mary started her painting class. Every day, she felt a spark of hope as she explored her growth in color and form.
One morning, on her way to work, she spotted the same little girl with her dog in the nearby park. Smiling, she walked closer. Glancing at the girl's mother sitting on a bench, she said:
Mary: Excuse me, ma'am... Is that little girl your daughter?
Mother: Yes, she is. Why do you ask?
Mary: She's adorable. Would you mind if I took a few photos of her? I'm working on an art piece and watching her play with the dog is really inspiring.
Mother: Of course, sweetheart. Go ahead.
Mary snapped a few pictures, thanked her, and went on her way.
The day began like any other—until around noon, when Mr. Connor entered the office with an urgent tone.
Mr. Connor: Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment? There's some news I need to share…
People stopped working and looked up with curiosity.
Mr. Connor: Unfortunately, I received a call from the CEO today. There's a real possibility the holding company may go bankrupt. Over the past few months, we've lost about twenty projects and suffered massive financial losses. While everyone's trying to fix the situation, a temporary decision has been made… layoffs.
A wave of murmurs rippled through the office:
— Why us? We've been doing our jobs right!— Who's getting cut?— I need this job, I can't afford to lose it…
Mr. Connor: Please, calm down… This is just temporary. Those who are let go may be rehired once the situation improves.
Employee: And if it doesn't improve?
Mr. Connor: I understand the concern, truly. But we all need to do our best on upcoming projects. The selection process has been fair—based on performance ratings from the past three months. No favoritism. You'll each receive a text message in about an hour showing your individual score.
He returned to his office, leaving the atmosphere tense and heavy.
Deniz approached Mary: I hope I'm not on that list... I haven't done anything special lately.
Mary concerned: Don't worry. You've worked harder than most.
Deniz: But the ratings come from the holding company, not our team. I should've stayed last week and finished that programming task... Rachel stayed one day and now she's probably safe.
Mary paused, her mind turning: I should've thought of that…
Deniz: What?
Mary with rising anger: Nothing... Just realizing Rachel might make it through this.
Deniz: Does it really matter to you?
Mary: Not usually... but this time it does.
An hour later, the messages started coming in. Mary, with her extra hours and steady effort, had a decent score. Deniz, however, looked devastated.
Mary: What happened?
Deniz showed her phone. Her score was below the threshold. She had to go.
Mary: Deniz, don't say anything to anyone yet. I'll fix this. This isn't fair.
Mary walked straight toward Rachel.
Mary: You made the list, huh?
Rachel smug: Of course, sweetheart. I always do.
Mary coldly: Figures… Foxes like you always land on their feet.
Rachel: Excuse me?
Mary: If you really want to know, come with me. Now.
Rachel, unfazed, followed her. Deniz, noticing the tension, followed as well.
Inside the restroom, Mary locked the door behind them and faced Rachel.
Mary: You played this well. You've known about the layoffs for a week, haven't you?
Rachel: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Mary: Don't play dumb. The things you said about Mr. Connor and project schedules? All calculated. You knew one of us would be cut, and you made sure it wouldn't be you.
Outside the door, Deniz froze, listening.
Mary: I don't want a fight, but Deniz doesn't deserve this. You're going to fix it. Or I tell Mr. Connor everything.
Rachel: Tell him. You think he can fire me? You're not strong enough to go against me.
She tried to leave, but Deniz was standing right outside. Without a word, she grabbed Rachel's hair.
Deniz: You snake! How could you do this to me?!
Rachel: You've lost your mind! You tried to be clever too, remember?
Mary rushed forward, pulling Deniz away.
Mary: Stop it, Deniz! People will hear! Let her go.
Deniz: You knew everything and didn't tell me!
Mary: I didn't know she was using you. I thought she just wanted the spotlight.
Rachel: Let me go or I'll scream!
Mary finally released her. But just before Rachel escaped, Mary yanked her hair sharply.
Mary: Get out of here, Rachel... before things get worse.
Rachel stormed out. Mary turned to Deniz and held her trembling hand.
Mary: Don't cry… I won't let this injustice happen.
Deniz tearfully: How? You heard what she said...
Mary: I'll talk to Mr. Connor. He'll understand.
Deniz: And if he doesn't? I'll have to find another job...
Deniz sat down and began to sob. Mary gently hugged her.
Mary: Please, Deniz... we'll fix this together.