It was Monday morning, and from the moment Mary opened her eyes, the excitement of her painting class filled her mind. All day long, she looked forward to the evening. As soon as she got home, she immediately prepared her painting supplies. She placed her sketchbook in front of her, grabbed a pen, and turned on her laptop.
When the class began, the instructor asked the students to introduce themselves and share how they had become interested in painting. After a few students, it was Mary's turn.
Mary:Hi everyone. I'm Mary, 33 years old, and I love painting. Honestly, I don't even remember exactly when I got interested; I think I hadn't even started school when, one day, instead of asking for a doll, I asked my dad to buy me colored pencils and a drawing book. Back then, I painted just for fun, but my serious interest began during college, when I once visited an exhibition of one of our professors. His paintings took me back to the good days of childhood. That same night, I picked up my pencils again. But I never had the chance to join a class because of my busy schedule… until today. Now I want to pursue it more seriously.
After the introductions, the instructor began the theory part of the class, discussing color combinations, different types of brushes, and canvases. Mary took notes carefully and found the material very useful.
At the end of the class, the instructor gave the assignment for the next session:
Instructor:For the next session, which is in two days, create a simple painting based on your own idea and bring it in.
That night, Mary started working on her painting. She had an idea in mind that easily flowed onto the canvas with her brush. But the work wasn't finished yet.
The next day at work, Mary was reviewing some projects when Mr. Connor approached.
Mr. Connor:Mary, Deniz, you both need to stay overtime today and complete the new projects. Deniz, you need to finish the project's programming by tonight. Mary, you'll complete the project control. We have a client meeting tomorrow and need to review everything thoroughly.
Mary and Deniz nodded reluctantly. A bit later, during lunch, Deniz came over to Mary.
Deniz:Come on, let's eat. We're going to be stuck here late.
Mary:Yeah, we'd better eat something first.
While they were eating, Rachel from the next table joined them.
Rachel:I honestly don't get why Mr. Connor always makes us work overtime just to make himself look good.
Deniz (surprised):What do you mean?
Rachel (smiling):The project he's rushing so much still has plenty of time. But he wants to finish it early to impress the board.
Mary:But I saw the project schedule... we don't have much time.
Rachel:The schedule changed yesterday.
Deniz:Are you sure?
Rachel (smirking):Yeah, I saw the new one myself. But it doesn't really matter; if we finish it early, it's better for us too. The company can take on more projects. Anyway, I won't interrupt your lunch.
Rachel stood up and left. Deniz, now irritated, slammed her spoon on the table.
Deniz:Mr. Connor is really pushing it. Why is it always us who have to stay late?
Mary (anxiously):Nothing's certain yet. You know Rachel... maybe she's just messing with us.
Deniz (confidently):No, I think she's right. She probably heard it from her uncle. But it's so unfair. There are plenty of other employees—why always us?
Mary:Don't get upset... It's already happening anyway.
Deniz (sarcastic):You act like you actually enjoy working overtime!
Mary (upset):It's not like that... I'm just trying to figure out how to finish my painting. The instructor wants us to send it tomorrow.
Deniz (surprised):What painting?
Mary:Didn't I say? Yesterday was the first session of my painting class. The instructor asked everyone to make a painting and submit it. I finished half of it last night, but there's still a lot left to do.
Deniz (dismissively):Well, if you don't have time, just forget about it! It's not an exam. You can finish it later.
Mary:But I don't want to start slacking off from the first class.
Deniz (indifferently):I think we should talk to Mr. Connor. Tell him we can't stay late—say something came up at home. Let him know we're not always available for extra work.
Mary:Forget it... If you were going to say that, you should've done it earlier, not now.
Deniz:What's the difference? I'll say it now. Can't he get help from Rachel or someone else?
Mary fell silent, weighing her options. Maybe Deniz was right... she did have something important to do tonight. But on the other hand, she'd worked with Mr. Connor for years. He didn't keep people late without reason.
Mary (to herself):Ugh... I don't know. Whatever...
After lunch, Deniz and Mary returned to the office. Deniz stopped in front of Mr. Connor's office and looked at Mary.
Deniz:Are you coming with me to talk to him? I really want to say what's on my mind.
Mary (hesitating):But... maybe it's not the right thing to do. (Pauses) No, I'm not coming. I want to finish my tasks early.
Deniz:Alright, I'll go myself.
Without another word, Deniz walked into the office.
Deniz (inside Mr. Connor's office):Excuse me, Mr. Connor... Do you have a moment?
Mr. Connor (glancing at his watch):Yes, I have about ten minutes. What's going on?
Deniz:Well... actually, something came up at home, and I have to leave early. I won't be able to complete the task you assigned me today.
Mr. Connor (concerned):Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do?
Deniz:No, I just wanted to let you know I can't stay late today.
Mr. Connor (a bit disappointed):Alright... it's okay. I'll figure something out. Get home safely.
Deniz thanked him, left the office, and started gathering her things. Mary called out to her from across the room.
Mary:What happened?
Deniz (smiling, winking):Nothing… I told him something came up at home. He said I could leave. I'm heading out. See you tomorrow!
Deniz left, and at that moment, Rachel, who had overheard the conversation, headed toward Mr. Connor's office.
Rachel:Excuse me, Mr. Connor. Sorry to bother you. I wanted to talk about something.
Mr. Connor (coldly, turning to his monitor):What is it? Go ahead—I don't have much time.
Rachel:I saw Deniz packing up and leaving. You mentioned the project was urgent. If you agree, I could help and finish it.
Mr. Connor (surprised):You? Finish the project? You want to stay late? (Smirking) As far as I remember, you weren't into that sort of thing.
Rachel (calmly):Mr. Connor, whenever the company's reputation is on the line, I'll do whatever it takes.
Mr. Connor (smiling):Sure… just one thing. You've always handled project control. You haven't done the programming. How will you manage that?
Rachel:I'll do the control work myself, and we can assign the programming to Mary. She's taken the course before.
Mr. Connor:Mary's expertise is in project control. She's been doing it for a long time. Thanks, Rachel. I'll think of something else. You may go back to your work.
Rachel:Alright… as you wish.
After Rachel left the office, Mr. Connor sat in thought. He was flipping through papers when his phone rang.
Mr. Connor (answering):Hello? You brought the car in front of the building?… Alright, I'll be down in five minutes.
He took a deep breath, picked up the office phone, and dialed Mary's extension.
Mr. Connor:Mary, could you come to my office for a moment?
Mary entered and stood in front of his desk.
Mr. Connor:Take a seat, Mary. I wanted to talk to you about the project I gave you.
Mary:Yes, Mr. Connor. I'm working on it.
Mr. Connor:I know. Look, I have to attend an important meeting now and don't have much time, so I'll get straight to the point. Deniz left because of a personal issue. I need both the programming and project control done by tomorrow. Can you handle the programming?
Mary:Honestly… it's been a long time since I did any programming.
Mr. Connor:I know. But you've done it before. These are unusual times for the company—can you help out?
Mary:So, I'm doing both programming and control?
Mr. Connor:No, Rachel will handle the project control. You just focus on the programming. (Gently) Mary, I'd really appreciate it if you could help. You've always been there for us during tough times.
Mary (hesitant):Alright… I'll do my best.
Mr. Connor (cheerfully):Great! Thank you. I have to go now.
Mr. Connor hurried out of the office. On his way out, he passed Rachel and stopped.
Mr. Connor (firmly):Rachel, you're in charge of project control. Make sure it's done by tomorrow.... Rachel (cheerfully): Yes, Mr. Connor, of course.
That day, Mary and Rachel worked on the project until late. At night, Mary returned home exhausted, walked into her room, and sat down on her chair. She glanced at her unfinished painting.
Mary (to herself): I'm so tired... I just can't focus enough to finish it.
She went to bed and fell asleep from exhaustion....