- Why Don’t I Feel Happy?
- Why Don’t I Feel Happy?
Michelle
It’s mid-morning, and while I’m focused on work, I receive a message on my phone. I see the sender’s name and, with butterflies in my stomach, I open it.
“Ryan’s lawyer contacted me, the divorce process is underway.”
As I read those words, a sharp pain pierces my chest. It’s a fact. I remain in shock, staring at the screen, not knowing how much time passes. Suddenly, Vero’s voice pulls me out of my reverie.
“Mich… Are you okay?” Her voice forces me to look up. I look at her, confused, as if I didn’t recognize her.
“Mmm… yes, I’m fine,” I try to smile, but I’m sure my expression doesn’t fool anyone. Vero watches me with concern.
“Are you sure?” she asks skeptically.
“Yes, I’m fine, don’t worry. What were you telling me?”
Despite her distrust, she decides to continue with the previous topic.
“I was telling you that we’re going to meet in the conference room to present the project’s progress. Are you ready?”
I nod and stand up.
“Yes, let’s go.”
She goes ahead to gather her things and waits for me at the door. Quickly, I gathered mine and followed her.
We arrive together and take a seat. I try to focus on the meeting, observing how my colleagues work. Although the atmosphere is relaxed and there are jokes in between, they are highly professional people.
Vero is in charge of presenting the project, and my colleagues ask me to take notes, as I will be the one presenting in the next meeting. I look at Dylan, who seems very focused on the details. He’s an attractive man, and I wonder why I have so
few memories of him in the past.
I feel his gaze on me and, when I look up, he smiles at me. I felt a flutter in my chest, taking me by surprise. Quickly, I look
away and focused on my notes.
The presentation concludes with a general round of applause. I join them as Dylan stands up to speak.
“This will be a magnificent campaign. I congratulate you and want to reward you for your effort. I have two options: an individual bonus for each of you or a weekend at a resort of the team’s choice, with all expenses covered. Let me know by
three in the afternoon. Thank you.”
He gathers his things and leaves with his assistant, who follows him like a shadow. As soon as the door closes behind
them, the team erupts in joy.
“Alright team! The previous campaign was a success and this one will be even better. Let’s vote for the prize we prefer.”
The votes quickly split.
“Bonus.”
“Trip.”
“Bonus.”
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15 Why Don’t Feel Happy?
“Trip.”
The tension grows as the votes are tied. Then, all eyes turned to me.
“Come on, Mich, you need to vote,” Vero urges me.
I feel out of place, without the right to have a say. I’ve only been with them for two days.
“I feel like I shouldn’t be part of the decision. Maybe those who chose the bonus need it more.”
Some look at each other, but those who opt for the money ensure that it doesn’t affect them.
“Pick whatever you want, we’ll all go along with it. Besides, last time we received a good bonus.”
Vero winks at me. I take a deep breath and make up my mind.
“Alright then… sorry, guys, but I’m going with the trip.”
The room erupts in joy. The colleagues hug and celebrate the decision. Maybe a trip isn’t such a bad idea after all.
Ryan
When I leave Cameron’s office, my lawyer, I feel strange. I’m supposed to feel happy, but that feeling of joy doesn’t appear inside me. Maybe, if I see Blake, everything will fall into place. I head to work and, upon arriving at my office, she stands up
to greet me.
“Ryan! You took so long.” She throws herself into my arms while my assistant lowers her gaze and pretends to focus on
her screen, pretending not to see us.
For the past two months, Blake has been visiting me frequently. We’ve stopped hiding in my office and Johana, my
assistant, has been very discreet.
“Yes, I had some errands to run.” Blake hangs onto my arm, and we head to my office, where she closes the door behind
her.
“I need kisses. Last night you made me feel bad. “I hugged her and pulled her in for a kiss. She’s still the same beautiful
woman I fell in love with many years ago.”
The caresses intensify, but I stop.
“Not here. Besides, I have a lot of work.” She smiles and gives me a quick kiss before going to sit on the sofa.
“Do you want to tell me what happened?” I hesitated for a moment. I walk through the office to the window, observing the
outside landscape while I try to assimilate the changes coming in my life.
“I’m getting a divorce.” Blake stands up and approaches me.
“So, is it true what Michelle said?” Hearing her name from Blake’s lips feels wrong, but I say nothing.
“Yes. She found out about us, so she left the house and filed for divorce.”
I can see the pleasure in her eyes.
“That’s great! We must celebrate this. Soon we won’t have to hide anymore, especially when we get married. We should have a big wedding. Did you have a church wedding?”
I shook my head in response. In fact, it was all very simple, a simple wedding, but Michelle never complained.
“Perfect! Then we will. I promise we will be very happy together.”
“Just the two of us? What about Candace?” I saw her turn pale at my question.
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“Well, I assume she’ll live with her mom. After all, children usually stay with their mom, right?”
“I also imagine Michelle will ask for custody of our daughter, but until Elvis talks to my lawyer, I don’t know the terms she
will demand.”
“Well, while we find out what your ex will ask for… How about we spending a weekend alone?” I hesitate for a moment,
but in the end, I agree.
“Pick the place.” She jumps and hangs onto my neck. This is the woman I’ve decided to share my life with. The one who makes me happy and the one I’ve always loved.
Why don’t I feel happy?
Michelle
“So? Have you made a decision?”
The boss came to the department personally to find out our choice. I look around and see relaxed faces and satisfied
smiles. Even those who initially wanted the money seem content with the final decision.
“Yes, boss…” says one of my colleagues enthusiastically. “We’re going to take a break and relax. All thanks to Michelle,
who had the deciding vote.”
The boss nods, pleased.
“I see you’re all happy,” he comments with a smile while nodding with satisfaction. “Well, it’s decided. Go home and pack
your bags. We’ll meet here tomorrow at seven on the dot. The hotel transport will pick us up.”
Everyone seems content and starts gathering their things. However, something troubles me. I stand silent, waiting for the
boss to say something more, but no one asks what’s been on my mind. Then, without thinking, I blurted out the question
louder than I intended.
“Are you coming with us?”
A soft murmur spreads among my colleagues. The boss raises an eyebrow in amusement.
“Well, unless you’d rather I didn’t go…” he replies with a half-smile.
Laughter breaks out in the office, and I feel my cheeks burn. What a dumb question!
“No way, boss!” someone quickly says. You know you’re always welcome here.
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow,” he concludes.
One by one, my colleagues left the office. In a few minutes, only Dylan and I left. As I finished packing my things, he stood by my side, watching me calmly.
“Does it bother you if I come along?” he suddenly asks.
I shake my head.
“No, I just wasn’t expecting it.”
I close the folder and take my bag. Dylan accompanies me to the exit.
“I usually just pop in for a bit, don’t feel awkward, Michez,” he says in his usual tone.
There was that nickname again.
“No, it’s fine,” I reply, smiling slightly. “It’s nice of you. I hope it will be fun.”
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He smiles back, and just as the elevator doors open, he says confidently:
“It will be. You’ll see.”
**
+3 Peints
Dylan
The team is doing a great job. I’ve always believed in rewarding effort and dedication, and they know it. That’s why, whenever it’s time to reward them, I look for the best option. Although, to be honest, this time there’s a personal reason behind my choice.
It’s not just any trip. It’s two days and one night at the best resort in the city, a small paradise where rest and fun are guaranteed. But beyond the intention of treating my team, what I really want is to share a moment with Michelle.
However, her attitude worries me. She doesn’t seem excited about the idea, and that makes me wonder if I’m being too insistent. Maybe I should rethink things, give her some space. Initially, I planned to stay the whole weekend with them,
but now I think the best thing would be to limit my stay to just one day.
Setting my thoughts aside, I get ready to explain the situation to my daughter.
As soon as I cross the door of the house, her eager voice greets me.
“Daddy! Did you ask her?” Her enthusiasm is evident.
I take a deep breath before responding.
“Yes, I told Michelle, but it seems she has plans.”
The expression on her face changes for a moment, a brief gesture of disappointment that she soon hides with a smile. I
know her well enough to know she would have liked a different answer.
“By the way, tomorrow I’ll be going on a trip. I might stay a bit longer.”
My brother, Abdiel, barely looks up from his video game when I add:
“You’re in charge.”
He just nods, absorbed in his virtual world.
I don’t give them any further explanations. I don’t want to raise false hopes in their hearts. I have enough with the
expectations battling inside mine.
Michelle
When I get home, I collapse on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Why did I feel that way about him?
I didn’t have much time to think about it, so I got up and started packing my suitcase. I choose comfortable clothes, a couple of swimsuits, and the essentials. While folding a blouse, my phone vibrates on the nightstand.
“Don’t forget your sunscreen, Michez. I don’t want to see you sunburned like a shrimp at the end of the trip.”
I rolled my eyes, but I can’t help but smile.
“Thanks for your concern, mom Dylan.”
He responds with a laughing emoji. I stare at the screen for a moment before putting the phone aside. It’s funny how natural it feels to talk to him, even with these kinds of jokes.
The next morning, I arrive on time at the meeting point. Some of my colleagues are already there, with their suitcases beside them, chatting animatedly.
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“Michelle!” exclaims Vero, approaching with a big smile. “Ready for a few days of relaxation?”
“More than ready,” I replied, adjusting the strap of my bag.
It doesn’t take long before the boss arrives. He’s dressed casually, which makes him look different from the serious image he has in the office. It’s strange to see him like this, but not unpleasant.
“Everyone ready?” he asks, as the hotel transport approaches.
A general shout of excitement was the response.
“Then, let’s go!” exclaims Dylan.
I laugh and get on behind Vero. The trip is just beginning, and although I have my reservations, something inside me tells
me that an important event awaits me.
