June 12
I drove a modest older gentleman to the little village on the outskirts, never suspecting that the bloke was the founder of the firm Ive been toiling for these past five years. The whole office erupted when Olga shouted down the corridor, Marina Stevens, this isnt fair! Ive been here longer than anyone, and they promoted Jane! The HR manager, adjusting her spectacles, sighed. Olga, the decision came from senior management, not me. I could hear the desperation in Olgas voicefive years of steady work, no complaints, and now a newcomer with a years tenure gets a promotion. She argued, Jane has two degrees, but I have real experience! The tension was palpable as Olga stormed out, nearly colliding with Emma.
Whats happened? Emma asked as we passed each other. Jane just became senior manager, I replied, trying to keep my tone even. Emma whistled, Shes climbing the ladder fast. I muttered, Too fast, perhaps. Does that make me any less capable? Emma placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Youre solid, Olga. She probably has connections or plain luck.
I settled at my desk in the procurement department of Brick & Beam Ltd., a construction supply outfit in London. The work is routine but dependable, the pay modest yet punctual. A promotion would mean a nice bump in salary and a bit of prestige. The day dragged as I sifted through invoices, phoned suppliers, and filled out paperwork until my head throbbed by lunch.
Emma peeked in, Olivia, fancy grabbing a bite in the canteen? I shook my head, Ive got a sandwich, not feeling hungry. She laughed, Dont stew over it. Your moment will come. When? I snapped, Im 48, nearing retirement. What moment? She said nothing, left, and I was alone with my tea and a stale sandwich, replaying my past. I married young, at twenty, had a daughter, Emily. My husband left when Emily was five, saying hed fallen for someone else. I raised Emily alone, scrimped, and watched her grow, study, marry, and move to Manchester. She calls rarely. I stayed at Brick & Beam, a reliable but stagnant post; the bosses appreciated my reliability but offered little else.
Evening fell, a light drizzle pattering the windows. I slipped on my coat, grabbed my umbrella, and headed for the exit when Victor Parker, the department head, popped his head out. Olivia, could you stay a bit? We need that account wrapped up. I sighed, Just twenty minutes. It turned into an hour. When I finally left, darkness had settled, the rain hammered harder, and the bus I needed had already rolled away. The next one wouldnt arrive for another half hour.
Under the shelter, I remembered a flyer about Simon selling his old car at a bargain. My patience with the bus service was wearing thin. When the bus finally shuddered in, packed to the brim, I clung to a strap and thought, Thats it, Im buying a car.
The next morning I met Simon. Take it, Olivia! Ive bought a new one, so I dont need this old clunker. Hundred pounds, yours. Id saved exactly that amount, planning to spend it on a flatroof repair, but a car felt more urgent. He helped with the paperwork; Id had a licence since my teens but rarely drove. The first week was nervewrackingevery horn made me flinchbut eventually the tenyearold hatchback proved reliable.
On Friday I decided to visit my mother in a cottage near Canterbury. Shes seventyplus, frail, and I only see her once a month, bringing groceries and meds. After work I set off, the country road winding through misty fields. Rain began again; I turned on the wipers, eyes scanning the wet asphalt. About thirty kilometres out, I spotted a lone figure standing by the roadside. An elderly man, soaked to the bone, seemed to be waiting for a bus. My conscience nudged me; I slowed, then pulled over.
Where to, sir? I asked, rolling down the passenger window.
He shuffled forward, a wiry man in a faded jacket and battered cap. Sowden, please, he replied, voice trembling. Just a few miles. He climbed in, dripping water onto the floor. Sorry about the mess, he muttered. I was heading back after dropping my granddaughter off for her birthday. Missed the bus, so I thought Id wait for a lift. He chuckled, Stuck in this rain, youd think Id be miserable, but youve saved my day.
Sowden was only five miles from my mothers cottage, conveniently on the way. I drove us there, the rain blurring the trees. He told me hed spent most of his life in London, moved out to be close to his son, and now his heart belonged to the little village. Constructions always been my world, he said, but Ive never been anything more than a foreman.
When we arrived, he handed me a crumpled fivepound note. For petrol, love, he said. I waved it off. I was heading that way anyway. He smiled, Thanks, Olivia. God bless you. He stepped out, left a lingering scent of damp wool, and disappeared down the lane.
Back home, I settled in, feeling the weight of the day. The next morning at work, Victor called an assembly. Everyone, a special guest is joining us todayMr. Peter Ivan, the founder of Brick & Beam. Emma whispered, Whos that? I felt a chill. Peter Ivan? I thought of the old man Id helped. Victor continued, Hes been away for three years due to health, but hes returning to see how things are running. I stared at the name, heart thudding.
At eleven, the doors swung open. Victor entered, followed by a familiar figure in a battered jacket and capPeter Ivan himself. He scanned the room, then his eyes locked onto me. Olivia Martin! What a pleasant surprise! He laughed, Youre the one who gave me a lift on that rainy Friday. Thank you.
The room fell silent. Victor raised an eyebrow, You know each other? I could barely speak. I I didnt realize, I managed. Peter clapped a hand on my shoulder. You showed kindness when I needed it. Thats the sort of person I value more than any ledger.
Later, he led me into his office. Tell me, Olivia, how are you finding your work? I replied, Steady, but I feel overlooked. He nodded, I hear they promoted Jane, a newcomer, over you. I confessed, Ive been here five years, have practical experience, yet they chose someone with just a year and two degrees. He leaned forward, Education is important, but its never too late to learn. How would you feel about parttime studies at a university? I can arrange sponsorship for an economics course relevant to your role. My mouth went dry. Seriously?
He smiled, Absolutely. Youre diligent, honest, and thats priceless here. I felt tears prick my eyes. Thank you. Ill try my best. He stood, placed a firm hand on my back, Good. Ill speak with Victor about your training and a raise.
The next week Victor called me into his office. Olivia, congratulations. Peter has approved funding for your degree and a 20% salary increase. I could barely contain my excitement. Thank you, sir. He chuckled, Kindness pays off, after all.
I called my mother that evening, her voice bright, Youve finally gotten what you deserve, my dear! I told her about the old man, the promotion, the studies. She whispered, Good deeds never go unrewarded. Emily rang later, Mum, Im proud of you! We laughed, and I felt a warmth that the rainy evening couldnt chill.
Half a year later, Im juggling work, lectures, and caring for my mum. The old car still hums along, a reminder of that impulsive purchase. One day, Jane, the woman who was promoted before me, approached me. Olivia, Im envious of you, she admitted. Everyone loves you, youre so bright. I replied, You have a conscience, Jane. Its never too late to listen to it. She nodded, thoughtful.
Another halfyear later Victor summoned me. Were opening a branch in Brighton. Id like you to head the procurement department there. I hesitatedstill studyingbut the offer felt like a new chapter. I accept, I said, firm. He smiled, Youve earned it.
Tonight, on my drive back to London, I passed the same roadside where I once stopped for Peter. I pulled over, stepped out, and stood there watching the rain drizzle. Cars whizzed by, each driver hurrying on, yet I lingered, grateful for that moment of pause that altered my whole life.
I close this entry feeling grounded. The world may be full of rushed people, but a simple act of kindness can cascade into opportunities I never imagined. Money and titles are nice, but its the goodwill we sow that truly enriches us. And for the first time in years, I feel truly rich.
