AAAH BOSS

"This morning is your first day at work, my child. Come, let us pray first," her mother called out with a loving smile. After they finished praying, she blessed me, and I set off happily and full of hope toward my new job.

It was about 8 a.m. when I got into a taxi heading toward the company in Mikocheni where I had recently been hired.

Upon arrival, I was surprised to see a very attractive young man in the office. During the interview I had met an older white manager, but today there was a new boss.

"Good morning," I greeted respectfully, unaware he was the boss, the son of the company owner.

He looked at me carefully and then, in a calm voice, said, "Follow me to my office."

I started following him briskly; he walked quickly, so I had to increase my pace to keep up.

Many employees watched me as I walked down the corridor, wearing heels that clicked with each step.

When we reached his office, he sat behind his desk while I remained standing, holding my small purse.

He opened a file and asked me, "Are you a new employee here?"

"Yes, today is my first day."

"Your name?"

"Pendo Malisa."

He looked at the file and said, "Alright. Your office is on the right side, second room. Do you know your job duties?"

"Yes, sir."

"Remember, my name is Paschal; I am your supervisor."

After saying this, he showed me to my office and then left.

Once inside, I tidied my desk a little, said a short prayer, and then called my mother.

"Did you arrive safely?" she asked.

"Yes, mother."

"Start by thanking God, then work hard. Respect everyone and don't give up."

While we were still talking, suddenly I heard a voice behind me.

"I think now is the time you should be working."

Startled, I recognized it was Boss Paschal.

Quickly, I hung up and apologized, "Sorry, boss."

He said little, left some files on the desk, and walked away.

I carefully reviewed the files and filled in all the required information.

After a while, the office phone rang.

"Pendo, I want those files on my desk within five minutes," Paschal said sharply before hanging up.

I picked up the files and headed to his office but found him talking with a visitor, so I returned to my office to wait.

Looking at my phone, I found a message from my father: "Good luck, my child. May God guide and bless you."

I replied happily.

Another message came from my mother: "Work hard—don't make your boss angry on the first day."

I smiled.

Suddenly, the office phone rang again.

"Do you understand the meaning of time?" Boss Paschal's voice asked sternly.

My heart started pounding...