Member-only story
The Road Map
“My life is ruined!” I said, to no one in particular.
It was Tuesday, May 3rd, and I stood in front of the Selby Building, home of Selby International Industries. On my phone’s screen was the email that, moments before, ended my career.
Looking at it again, I read the sparse words written there, “Your services are no longer required at Selby International Industries. You are hereby terminated.” Direct and to the point.
After 25 years of hard work, I am terminated.
I shoved my phone in my pocket and looked about me, noticing, perhaps for the first time, the maze of bricks, glass and steel that surrounded the Selby Building. Not much here to recommend to anyone — pollution, crowds, traffic and noise — a veritable jungle of hardened faces and sharpened tongues. People lose their hearts in the city, and eventually, their souls. I began to walk aimlessly down the street.
Suddenly the world seemed rock hard and cold. The faces around me were turned downward, and those few that dared to look up, wore vacant and dark expressions.
Soon, I looked down as well, disheartened at my sudden change of fate. To think that this morning I had gotten up, in no particular mood, but surely not despairing.
Looking up, I noticed where I was, and turned into Café Le Jour. Even here people…
