The company director fired me in front of everyone. Two hours later, he called and said, “Dress nicely and meet me by the lake. Don’t tell anyone we’re meeting.” When I arrived, he asked me to take a photo with him… and the next morning, that photo was hanging on the door of his office

enough to go to school.

“You’ll understand the reason later,” he said. “For now, go.”

Those words hurt more than if he had simply told me I was a terrible employee.

Everyone was staring at me.

 

My direct supervisor, Mark, lowered his head.

Karen, who had been trying to get my position for years, couldn’t even hide her smile.

I packed my bag, my notebooks, and the small framed photo from my desk, then walked out of the building.

Mr. Wilson.

For a moment, I thought about ignoring it.

But I answered.

“Emily.”

His voice sounded different.

Softer.

“Yes?”

“Come to the east dock at Hart Lake tonight at seven.”

I froze.

“Why?”

 

He stayed silent for a few seconds.

Then he said,

“Dress nicely. And don’t tell anyone we’re meeting.”

I literally pulled the phone away from my ear and stared at the screen.