Chapter 6

• EMMA'S POV
• The unjust dismissal echoed in my head like a persistent nightmare. Sitting in my car, my hands trembling on the steering wheel, I struggled to calm the anger consuming me.
• The journey home felt endless, and the radio playing cheerful songs in an attempt to uplift me only grated on my nerves. When I finally parked in front of our modest apartment, I took a deep breath and prepared to face Miranda, my friend and roommate.
• Miranda Stevens was a model who earned a fortune posing for local company campaigns. It was odd for her to be home in the middle of the workday, but her talent and the demand for her face in advertisements allowed her to make her schedule. I always admired her for that, but today, the idea of finding her at home was irritating.
• I climbed the stairs of the building and opened the door to our apartment. The aroma of lunch being prepared wafted through the air, and I knew Miranda was in the kitchen. I took another deep breath and entered.
• Miranda was there, with her stunning beauty and golden hair cascading over her shoulders. She was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, her informal model-at-home uniform. When she saw me, her face lit up with a radiant smile.
• "Emma! You're home early today. What a surprise!"
• I nodded, forcing a weak smile. "Yes, quite a surprise."
• She approached, her gaze curious. "Did something happen? You look… upset."
• I left the box with my belongings on the floor and slumped onto the couch, rubbing my temples with my hands. "I got fired, Miranda. Benjamin, let me go."
• Surprise registered on Miranda's face. "What? How? You were the marketing manager at Parker Technology!"
• I nodded, my eyes filled with anger. "Exactly. And now I'm unemployed, thanks to a stupid decision from my boss."
• I explained to her the situation at Parker Technology and how I had been unjustly fired because of a presentation in a format my boss couldn't open. My friend listened attentively, an expression of indignation growing on her face.
• "This is outrageous!" she exclaimed when I finished. "How can they do this to you?"
• My heart warmed with her compassion, and I felt grateful to have her as a friend. "I know, it's insane. I was so shocked and furious when it happened."
• Miranda hugged me, offering comfort. "What are you going to do now?"
• I sighed, contemplating the uncertainties that the future held. "Miranda, I really need to find a new job as soon as possible. If not, I'll have to go back to Ismay."
• Her face showed surprise. "Ismay? Montana?"
• I nodded, my throat tightening at the thought. "Yes, Ismay, Montana. That's where my parents live. It's the last thing I want, but without a job, I won't have a choice. I don't have the money to pay rent or bills now."
• Ismay was a small town in southwest Montana, with a population of about 19 residents. The idea of going back there was almost like a nightmare to me. I left Ismay as soon as I finished high school, in search of opportunities and a different life. My hometown was painted with memories of a life I no longer wanted—a life I had left behind in the hope of finding something better.
• Miranda looked at me with genuine concern. "Emma, I understand how much you don't want to go back to Ismay, but if you have to, I'm sure your parents will be happy to have you back."
• I shrank at the idea of returning to that small town, where everyone knew everyone, and the horizons were endless fields of wheat. I shook my head sadly. "Yes, and the worst part is, my parents would be happy to have me back, but I don't want to be a burden to them. They work hard on the farm."
• Miranda hugged me, her compassion warming my heart. "You won't be a burden, Emma. They love you and will want to support you."
• I sighed and nestled into her embrace. "Thank you, Miranda. I just need to find a new job as soon as possible."
• She looked at me with determination. "We'll look together, Emma. I'll help you revise your resume, and search for job openings, and I'll even check among my contacts. You're not alone in this. You'll see that the phone will ring soon."
• And then, as if it had heard Miranda's words, the phone rang, breaking the tense silence of the apartment. I quickly got up and answered it, my heart racing with the anticipation of news that could change my life.
• "Hello?" My voice trembled on the other end of the line.
• "Emma Williams?" A professional female voice replied from the other side. "This is Olivia Parks from Parker Technology's Human Resources."
• My heart leaped in my chest. What did they want now, after unfairly letting me go? "What do you want?"
• She seemed a little uncomfortable in her response. "Emma, we've had a reevaluation of the situation, and, well, we've decided that we made a mistake in letting you go. We want to offer you your position back. You can return to the company tomorrow."
• The news caught me off guard. For a moment, I remained silent, trying to process what I was hearing. Then, a whirlwind of thoughts flooded my mind. The feeling of a sudden turnaround was overwhelming.
• Looking at Miranda, who awaited my response anxiously, I felt a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. On one hand, returning to Parker Technology would mean going back to my career, financial independence, and the dynamic world of Silicon Valley. But on the other hand, I couldn't forget the unfair treatment I had endured, and the feeling of being easily discarded.
• "Emma? Are you there?" Olivia's voice broke my reverie.
• I took a deep breath and made a decision that surprised everyone, including myself. "Olivia, I appreciate the offer, but I'm going to decline."
• Silence followed on the other end of the line, and I could imagine the surprise on Olivia's face.
• "Decline?" She repeated as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Emma, are you sure? It's a great opportunity."
• I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "I know, but I'd rather not go back to Parker Technology. There are other paths I want to explore."
• Miranda, who had been observing the conversation with interest, was shocked by my decision. She widened her eyes, surprised, and shook her head as if wanting me to reconsider.
• Olivia tried to argue, explaining that the company valued my contribution and that they were willing to make concessions to bring me back. But my mind was made up.
• "Olivia, I appreciate the offer, truly," I began, "but my experience at Parker Technology has shown me that it's not where I want to be. I want to start fresh somewhere else, or even go back to Ismay, rather than accept an offer that doesn't come with dignity."
• There was silence on the other end of the line as Olivia processed my words. Finally, she sighed and said, "I understand, Emma. If that's what you want, we respect your decision. If you change your mind, know that the doors of Parker Technology will always be open to you."
• When I hung up the phone, I turned to Miranda, who looked at me with perplexity. "You declined, Emma? Why?"
• I felt that I needed to explain my decision, not just to Miranda, but also to myself. "Miranda, Parker Technology treated me unfairly and disposable. I no longer want to be part of a company that doesn't value its employees. I'd rather start anew somewhere else, even if it means going back to Ismay, than accept an offer that lacks dignity."
• Miranda looked even more surprised, but her eyes were filled with respect. "Emma, you're amazing. I'm sure you'll find a better path for your career."
• I smiled at my friend, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Miranda. I won't give up. I'll find a place where my work is valued."
• That night, as I lay in bed, I knew I had made the right decision. Parker Technology was no longer my path. I was ready to face the future, even if it led me back to Ismay. I needed to start over and seek something more meaningful than just a job.