Scene 4: Sharing of Struggles

//SE: She’s calling the boy. His phone is vibrating

“Hello? Are you okay?”

“Can we talk?”//she’s hesitant “I want to share something to get this off my chest.”

“Sure, I’ll listen.”

“Okay, do you mind having a video call instead?” //nervous

//shocked

“A-Are you serious? Of course, I don’t mind.”

//SE: video call starts

“Hi there.” (he waves his hand to her on his phone screen) “This is our first time seeing our faces like this, isn’t it?

“Hello. Yes. Honestly, I’m shy right now.” //bashful

//smirk

“Me too, haha. We’ll get used to this. We can always talk to me like this. What is it that’s bothering you?”

“Pardon for disturbing you. I want to share what happened to me at the office a while ago.”

“What happened?”

"...Well... I got scolded by both our boss and my supervisor. I arrived on time and finished my papers before the deadline. I handed them over to my supervisor. But then the boss said it was incomplete and incorrect. My supervisor blamed me and said he had already taught me how to do it. But it was supposed to be his task, and he just gave it to me without clear instructions. I only did it my way because no one explained it properly." //prevents herself from crying

“Did your boss know that he passed the work to you?”

“No, I couldn’t say it to him because my supervisor was there too when I submitted the papers.”

//he scoffs

“I bet your supervisor is a lazy slacker. Am I right?”

“I hate to admit it, but… working with him for a year felt like he’s indeed lazy and a liar.”

“It’s been such a long time since you’ve been tolerating his behavior. How about reporting him to your boss before this goes to Human Resources?”

“That’s easier said than done.” //discouraged

“Listen to me carefully. You can do this. It’s time for you to step up.” //determined “If no one else is helping you with the task, gather some proof that your supervisor is not working. Then find a time you can talk alone with your boss, even for a moment. Tell him about your supervisor calmly and rationally. Then let’s see what your boss would do.” //concerned

“… You’re right… I should do something about it, too. That way, at least I tried, right?” //sobs

“Yes, and you won’t have regret for voicing your concerns. This is for your sake and for the company’s reputation, too.”

“I appreciate your advice. I just hope I can do it.”

“Whatever happens, I’m here to hear you. Don’t let your pretty face get ruined by crying over a lazy co-worker.”

//she chuckles

“Thank you. By the way, I like your necklace.”

“Oh, this? My mother gave this necklace as a lucky charm. You know, like a talisman thing that drives out bad luck.”

“I might need one of those soon because I feel like I’m having the worst luck when it comes to work. Have you encountered something similar at work, too?”

“I’d say my problems at work are not that serious,” //sigh “But I do have serious problems with my family.” //wry smile

“I’m sorry to invade your personal life. You don’t have to share anything about it if you don’t want to.”

“No, no, no. Since you shared yours. I’d like to share mine too.”

//warm soft tone

“Okay, I’ll listen.”

“My father and I quarreled. I’m an only child, living alone in a house my parents gave me when I started working, and now I’m living independently. When the three of us had lunch last week, my dad brought up my career. He said that he was not impressed by what I’ve become. They gave me everything they could, but the result didn’t exceed his expectations.” //sad “As a grown adult, I defended myself and assured them they shouldn’t worry about me. I may not be the best version of myself to them and even to myself, but I know that I’m one step ahead to being the person I wanted to be.”

“What did your father say after you said that?”

“He shrugged off and didn’t believe me. That’s so him.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t come up with advice like you did.” // she’s worried

//chuckles

“The fact that you’re there to listen to me is more than enough. I’ll figure things out.” //optimistic, reassuring

“I’m also here to hear you.” //comforting

“We’re not only singing buddies, we’re also here to hear each other’s problems. And yeah, even with a talisman necklace like I’m wearing right now, I’m not exempt to life’s bad lucks.” //comforting

//soft, light laugh

“Speaking of problems, I forgot to claim my washed clothes from the laundry shop!” //she panics

“Are you going out now to get it?”

“Supposedly yes, but I just have to finish a chore first. Or I can just claim it tomorrow morning.”

“Now that you mentioned it, I think I also forgot something.” //he ponders

“What is it?”

“I forgot to include my favorite pants in the laundry basket 3 days ago. And that’s what I planned on wearing for tomorrow.”

“Oh no. What’s happening to us? We’re supposed to be grown adults now, hahaha.” //amused

“Good thing you mentioned it. Or else I won’t have any pants to wear.”//mellow

“What?” //shocked “The last pants you wore were your last pair?”

“Apparently, yes. My lazy self has forgotten to buy new pairs, too.” //laughs

“You should since you tend to forget your laundry too.”

“By the way, I would like to invite you to watch an online live video podcast this weekend. I will be having a short interview about a certain topic.”

“Oh, wow. Is that part of your job?”

"No, I volunteered with an organization that helps people open up and talk about their romantic relationships. We are going to discuss the concept of the five love languages.”

“Sounds engaging. I’ll watch and support you.” //supportive

“Thank you very much.” //appreciative

“Have a good night's sleep.” //warm voice

“Sweet dreams, and let’s talk for another day.”

//SE: video call ended