Shawn and I encountered each other often and conversed about various topics, from baseball to the organization’s financials. Everyone at the firm saw him as an arrogant, over smart young man as his responses to questions use to be precise and quick. Shawn accepted me as a friend as I did not stand in judgment for any of his actions. I soon learnt about his past which was clear to me that he had restricted his feelings from the Tuscan community which they saw as eccentric and antisocial. It was no different in this firm, it was as if he was living his childhood again as in their eyes they saw him as nothing more than a school drop out with no academic or professional qualifications. On several occasions I did what few others would ever do, I asked for Shawn’s opinion, his answers were vague and incomprehensible for the average mind. It was only after strenuous thought that one could decipher how complex and profound the responses really were. I gave his answers immense credibility and utilized it in everyday activities with the firm.
Molly Hale was new to the firm, she was known for her academic excellence at the University of Stanford California. She had presented her skills to the firm during an internship program. The directors immediately recognized her as a future candidate for a managerial position. She was now assigned as the Marketing controller for the firm with a first-rate salary and pleasing fringe benefits.
As Marketing controller, one of her responsibilities was to review and write up progress reports for all her subordinates, which included Shawn.
“How do you like working here Shawn?” Molly asked while she laid her palms flat on the table and seemed to study every feature on his face. “Besides the constant turmoil and torment it’s been rewarding experience as the pay check is always on time”. “Is there anything I could do to help you enjoy your work a little more?” no one had ever asked him this before. The words were awesome and magical; he acknowledged them with a deep intensity that bordered on veneration. Shawn was astounded.
Molly made Shawn one of her personal assistants. Shawn was ecstatic it seemed as if he had finally met an adult whom he could respect and communicate with. He used to go out of his way to perform well in the smallest of jobs assigned to him. He did not want to be diminished in Molly’s eyes; it was as if his esteem was dependant on her.
Molly’s office was big. She had kept it immaculate with silver framed photographs, intricate office equipment and a Venetian style mirror whose edge I had glimpsed from the corridor earlier. It was an ostentatious piece, which was highly incongruous for an accounting firm. Molly had decided to stay in to finish reviewing lengthy quotations from advertising agencies that night. She wasn’t aware that Shawn use to stay in to utilize the firms Internet facilities.
The phone rang, Molly answered promptly, “Hey Jen!” she said contentedly, “Hold on, I’ll put you on Speaker. There’s no one around and I’ve got my hands tied up processing these reports on to my computer!” she said wearily. “How are things Jen?”
“Things are fine Molly, just unfortunate I don’t have the luxuries you have at work”. Molly smiled conspiratorially and said, “Today I had the little puppy get me my mocha cappuccino from starbucks which is five blocks away!”. “You better be careful Mol he does seem a little strange”
“ I sincerely doubt that, he’s harmless. To see him jump like a puppy all you need to do is praise him and he’s your idolization,” Molly said with pleasure. “Mol I’ve got to go watch dateline!” she said wittily. “Lucky you Jen! I’m here at least another two hours! I’ll see you later” said molly and turned off the speakerphone simultaneously.
Five feet away stood Shawn. He had heard every word of the illusive conversation. His heart seemed to move imperceptibly with an unbearable ache. He was filled with profound anger and grief. His faith in humanity was shattered completely. He saw the same betrayal in Molly when he recalled his parents had divorced and split his world. In his humiliation and misery he failed to comprehend Molly’s arrogance and stupidity. Shawn and Molly’s relationship was a fragile structure, which he thought was based on mutual regard and a professional trust. The foundations of this structure had been decayed; the walls would now follow at a terrifying speed. Shawn left the office that night dejected and terrified.
I was walking along Soho Park when I saw Shawn in tears and hysteria. He had repeated the story to me. I was appalled and disheartened. We spoke for hours, about his childhood, his adolescence, his hatreds, and his fear. The fear of the mutiny of having his heart ripped out of him would happen for the second time. Regrettably it did! I invited Shawn over for dinner the following day at my apartment where we could share our ideas and enjoy a scrumptious meal. Shawn reluctantly accepted the invitation.
As I set the dinner table I noticed the time. Shawn was a half an hour late; it wasn’t in his personality to do this. He was known for his punctuality at the firm. I was petrified
