I had only been at the company for three days when I was summoned to the director’s office.
He — my new boss — was tall, with serious eyes, and a low, cold voice, which conveyed respect and nervousness at the same time.
“I have a business trip abroad this week,” he said calmly.
“Come with me. I need a secretary.”
Time seemed to stand still.
I was a newbie, not used to the people in the office — and then suddenly I had to fly abroad for a week? And just the two of us?
Hundreds of questions ran through my mind:
What if I didn’t go? Would I lose my job immediately?
But if I did go… what if something happened? Who would believe me?
That night, I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about the two options — work or fear.
In the end, I chose to go. For my career. And perhaps, because I didn’t want to judge someone based solely on fear.
The next day, before the flight, the boss texted:
“Tomorrow, I’ll drop you off. We’re leaving early. It’s hard to find a taxi in the morning.”
I just replied curtly: “Okay.”
When he arrived, he was right on time. The car was shiny, and there was a faint scent of expensive perfume in the air.
On the plane, he sat next to me. Every now and then, he would ask,
“Are you feeling sick from the trip?”
“No, not at all.”
He just smiled and remained silent.
When we arrived, we checked in at the hotel. When the receptionist handed out the keycards, I noticed that only one was given.
I frowned but didn’t say anything. I thought there was more to come.
But when we were in the elevator, he spoke softly:
“The hotel said the rooms are full. I might have to clean them tomorrow. For now, we’ll both stay here.”
I could feel my heart beating fast. I forced myself to stay calm, just nodded, and entered the room.
He put the luggage aside and said,
“Take a shower and rest. I’ll work on the balcony first.”
I couldn’t say anything. I went straight into the bathroom, locking the door. As the water ran, my mind was in a whirl.
Did he do this on purpose?
Am I safe?
An hour passed. It was quiet outside.
Suddenly I heard a knock — knock knock knock.
“Are you done?” his voice asked.
I was nervous. I slowly opened the door, ready for anything.
But…
The room was dark, and in the middle of the darkness — there were candles lit.
On the table, there was a small cake with the words: “Happy Birthday.”
I stopped.
He smiled, his tone gentle:
“I saw in your file that today is your birthday. I thought you might be sad — away from home, from friends. So I thought I would give you a little surprise.”
I couldn’t speak. I just felt a strange warmth in my chest.
All my fears from earlier, gradually disappeared.
He quietly pushed the chair and said:
“Sit down. There are only two of us, but don’t worry — it’s just cake and candles.”
I smiled.
Outside the window, the lights of a city I didn’t recognize were twinkling.
The trip I dreaded — had become a memory I would never forget.
