Mary blamed herself for Deniz's decision to leave the company. Why hadn't she warned her about Rachel sooner? It felt like their friendship—one that had lasted since their university days—was starting to fade. And it shouldn't end like this. That same day, after several employees were laid off due to low performance scores, Mary went straight to Mr. Connor's office.
Mary: Mr. Connor... do you have a moment?
Mr. Connor looked up from his code.
Mr. Connor: Mary… I'm a bit busy right now. Can we talk in half an hour?
Mary stepped inside firmly.
Mary: No, Mr. Connor. This is important. We need to talk now.
He gave her a surprised look and moved his hands away from the keyboard.
Mr. Connor: Is something wrong? You seem upset.
Mary: I am... very upset.
Mr. Connor: Because of the layoffs? You know that was a board decision. I hold no personal grudges against anyone.
Mary shook her head, frustrated.
Mary: I know. But this is about something else… It's about Rachel.
Mr. Connor: Rachel?... Go on. I'm listening.
Mary: Last week, when you assigned Deniz and me to the project, Rachel came to us in the restaurant and said the schedule had changed. She claimed you extended the timeline and were using us for overtime just to impress the board. (She hesitates) That made Deniz doubt your intentions, and she couldn't continue programming the project.
Mr. Connor: So she lied about having family issues?
Mary: Please try to understand. Even I had doubts at that moment... But after the client meeting, I realized Rachel had planned to push Deniz out from the start. And today I found out she already knew about the layoffs and deliberately caused this.
Mr. Connor took a deep breath.
Mr. Connor: I had my doubts too. I couldn't understand why she was suddenly so invested in the company… Must've heard something from her uncle.
Mary: You know Deniz is a good employee. She's always done her job right. This isn't fair. If the project had been completed last week, she wouldn't have been let go... This is all Rachel's fault.
Mr. Connor: I understand, but what's done is done. We can't undo it.
Mary: I have one request... Could you list Deniz as the developer on the project instead of me? Just say my name was added by mistake. Since she wrote the code, no one will question it.
Mr. Connor: It's too late. The holding has already finalized the performance ratings. Even if I make the change, it won't reverse anything.
Mary: But it's so unfair…
Mr. Connor: The whole layoff was unfair. It's been a terrible day. I really don't know what to do... I'm just searching for a way out.
Mary: So… there's no way to bring her back?
Mr. Connor: Maybe, if we land new projects and increase our workload, we might get approval to rehire some of the team… or maybe not.
Mary noticed the frustration in his voice.
Mary: I'm sorry for taking your time... I'll get back to work.
Mr. Connor nodded silently. Mary left the room and sat at her desk with her eyes closed, but the heaviness in her chest wouldn't fade.
Two weeks passed. Mary still couldn't shake her guilt. Even in painting class, she couldn't focus. All she thought about was how to help Deniz—and the others—return.
Then one day...
Mr. Connor burst into the office, visibly excited.
Mr. Connor: Everyone, listen up! A major company has opened bids for several projects. If we can offer solid programming and project control, we stand a good chance. This could save our branch and bring our friends back!
Employees: Absolutely! We'll give it everything we've got!
Mr. Connor: Next month is critical. We might even need to work through holidays.
Rachel blurted out carelessly:
Rachel: Great... just what we needed. Working on holidays too!
Mr. Connor shot her a sharp look.
Mr. Connor: No one is forced to stay outside of regular hours. It's entirely voluntary.
Rachel (smirking): Of course. We'll all do our best.
Mr. Connor ignored her and told everyone to return to work. Then he turned to Mary.
Mr. Connor: Mary, come to my office for a moment.
Mary stepped in.
Mr. Connor: Now's our best shot to bring Deniz back. I didn't say anything in front of the others, but I want you to take full responsibility for the programming reports and deliver the final version directly to me.
His determined look made it clear he meant business.
Mary: Understood... But will Ms. Anisa handle all the project control alone?
Mr. Connor: Until now, you and Ms. Anisa have always handled project control together, right?
Mary: Yes. We worked well as a team.
Mr. Connor paused briefly.
Mr. Connor: Well, this time, I'm assigning Rachel to project control. I want to see if she can actually deliver on her promises. That means Ms. Anisa's role will be reduced, and you'll only handle the final programming report.
Mary (surprised): Rachel will manage project control alone? Are you sure?
Mr. Connor (firmly): I want to see if she can succeed without drama. Just ensure the work progresses correctly, but don't interfere. I'll review the report myself.
Mary forced a smile, though her stomach churned.
Mary: I'll do my best. And thank you… for considering Deniz's return.
Mr. Connor: Nothing's happened yet, Mary. But if things go well, maybe we can bring back a few of them.
That evening, Mary opened her laptop with a newfound energy and joined her painting class. When the instructor entered, she had an announcement.
Instructor: Everyone, we're planning to host an art exhibition. The top paintings will be featured. Even though you're first-term students, you're eligible to participate. But you'll need to bring your best. The competition will be tough—but I'll guide you through.
Mary's heart lifted.
Mary (to herself): This is the best chance… I have to take it. It might bring me closer to my dream…