Colleague
– Girls, whose turn was it to tidy up the break room this week? Mary put her mug of tea on the table and turned to face us. Seriously, this is getting ridiculous! I cleaned it all up yesterday, and now it looks like a tornado hit. Is it really so hard to wash your mug and put it away?
– I had loads to do. Katie squeaked in reply and ducked behind her monitor. Mr. Lewis dropped by just as we went on our break. He needed the latest reports. We barely had time to breathe, never mind clean up after ourselves.
– And then what? Mary was still fuming. Were you all late for a date? Or do you just think Im your housemaid?
Lydia Evans stood up quietly and made her way to the door.
– Dont bother, Lyds. Its all sorted now. Mary waited until Lydia reached the door before saying it. Next time, though honestly, just clear up after yourselves when you have a cuppa.
Lydia returned silently to her desk and took out a fresh file, glancing at Katie on the way. Both of them felt a bit wary of Mary. Stern, uncompromising, and excellent at her job, she was never afraid of getting the sack, unlike young Katie or older Lydia. She didnt care what others thought, never second-guessed herself, and always had a clear plan in mind. Katie watched her almost with a sort of awe, always trying to emulate her. Lydia, on the other hand, chose careful neutrality, fully aware how much now depended on Mary, who’d been promoted to head of department only recently.
For a while, the office fell quiet. Everyone tried to concentrate on work. None of us managed it particularly well.
Lydias head had hurt since morning. Shed always been sensitive to changes in the weather, but lately, it felt nearly catastrophic. Good days, when she felt more or less herself, were becoming rare. She was scared to see a doctor she dreaded the answers. Besides, when would she find the time? Her youngest son was acting up again; school was calling so often that Lydia considered just ignoring every other call. Her eldest daughter, embroiled in a new romance, still kept clashing with her ex-husband. While the adults argued, it was only poor little Charlie, Lydias grandson, who suffered. That meant Lydia had to pick him up from nursery, engage him in the evenings everyone had conveniently forgotten hed be seven soon and time to start preparing for school. So, Lydia was teaching him to read, write, and count, dreaming of just one peaceful evening to herself. She couldnt recall the last time shed simply sat in the kitchen with a new book or a favourite show, not worrying that someone would come barging in with their latest drama. Lydia was counting the days until her ex-husband came back from his latest long work trip; then maybe she could send her son to spend a few days with his dad, call her daughter to take Charlie for at least one day, and finally, just rest for once. She and Paul had divorced some years ago without too much fuss. Hed been up for arguments, but Lydia nipped that in the bud.
– Paul! Weve lived together nearly twenty years and good ones, too. Ive no complaints. Lets not make a mess of it now, shall we? We were in love until love became habit. At least lets split on good terms. The children are still our children either way. Do you think fighting now would help anyone? Didnt think so! I know about your new girlfriend and the baby on the way.
– How do you know?
– She called and filled me in. And you know what?
– What? Paul tensed, watching her carefully.
– Good for you!
– What? He scowled, puzzled by her reaction.
– You faced up to it. You take responsibility. It doesnt make me any happier, but I actually respect you a little more. If youre filing for divorce, at least youre making things right on your end.
– Well, yes.
– Good! Lydia cut off the conversation before her strength gave out entirely.
No one can deny a womans pride, and she felt the sharp ache of her marriage ending just when starting fresh seemed both pointless and impossible. She thought shed just finish raising her children and quietly live out the rest of her days. Paul, meanwhile, would have a new family, a young child a new lease of life. The resentment sometimes choked her, but she forced it out of her mind. No use festering now and poisoning what remained. Best to remember the good times and accept the rest she couldnt change it anyway.
Having a grandson distracted Lydia from her gloom. The little boy brought new meaning to her life, despite the weariness; her daughter was completely unprepared for looking after a child on her own.
– Mum! Hes your grandson! Youre supposed to help me! If not you, then who?
So Lydia swallowed an extra painkiller, dashed over after work to her daughters, and looked after Charlie. She did have her youngest son at home too, but at fifteen, he didnt want his mum interfering with his life. Lydia understood now shed not spent enough time building proper relationships with her children, and freedom she once brandished had proved quite illusory.
– Kids? What about them? Nursery, school, afterschool club. I cant pour my whole life into them! Im still young. I want to work, do my own thing not go mad over a failed spelling test or a last-minute project for school.
Gradually, both daughter and son grew used to Lydia being available only as a wallet and for the odd rare heart-to-heart. They were fine with that. And one day Lydia realised she was needed only because of what she could provide, and had no energy left to change things. She tried, at the very least, to help and support them now, even though they barely expected it anymore.
Katie had it much easier. Dads little princess, a late and long-awaited child, she grew up cocooned in love and care. Everything was sunshine and sparkles not a sadness in sight. Katies father had been a senior council official, and thanks to him, she had everything a girl her age could want. Ballroom dancing, singing, guitar lessons, art school, perfect English her childhood was idyllic. But her father died of a heart attack in his early fifties, forcing Katie to fend for herself, as her mum remarried and moved away only half a year later, leaving Katie a flat in the city centre, a decent bank account for her education, and a parting bit of advice:
– Be happy, darling! And remember its all in your hands now. Youre a big girl!
To her credit, Katie didnt panic. Shed always been bright spoiled, but no fool. Realising she was now truly alone, Katie called an old friend of her father who was a solicitor, got some advice, and figured out her mothers money would only last a few years the flat was in her name anyway, so that was safe. Unsure where to start in her newfound independence, the first thing Katie did was call on her neighbour to show her how to pay the council tax and set up utilities, then spent two days online before deciding on two universities where she might be able to study and work part-time. After budgeting for tuition, she calculated that, with some care, her mothers money would just about see her through until she found her feet. Relieved, she set about putting her new life into action.
Shed been working at the company over a year now, finishing her degree, and wondering whether to marry her boyfriend, who was desperate to move out from home, or wait and see she still wasnt sure of his feelings for her.
Mary, meanwhile, knew almost nothing about her juniors and didnt want to. She had problems of her own. After being told she couldnt have children, Mary decided to adopt and had been weighing her options for over a year. What worried her most was her single status no husbands name in her passport, which could be a major barrier. Shed considered a marriage of convenience with one of her admirers, but dismissed it. Why have a pretend dad vanish later and cause confusion? Instead, she decided to chance it, hoping her nice house (a legacy from her parents), steady salary, and general stability might sway the adoption authorities. She spent evenings scrolling through adoption websites, but hadnt yet found her child. She told no one convinced happiness didnt just prefer silence, but demanded it.
Outside was darkening, rain beating against the window panes, while each woman steeled herself for the moment shed have to leave the warm office, step out into the cold, drizzly autumn evening, and rush home to another set of chores, with not a minutes peace anywhere. The season seemed determined to keep everyone on their toes.
Katie, finished with her report, stretched mightily and froze, mouth agape as the door opened and in strode the oddest sight imaginable.
The girl was a true apparition. Not only was she wearing the brightest hat in ridiculous stripes, she was also carrying a fish bowl with a goldfish inside. Blonde curls exploded out from under her hat in a mass that made us all gasp what must it be like to have such an incredible mane? Blue eyes, wide and calm, looked right at us, as if she held a great secret on the tip of her tongue.
– Hello! Im Harriet. Ill be working with you! Wheres my desk? This one? Brilliant! Right by the window, just how I like it. Youre so sweet to save it for me!
Mary, temporarily speechless at the spectacle, finally came to her senses and asked,
– And where have you come from, my dear?
– HR sent me! Said to come and settle in ready for work tomorrow morning.
Harriet set the fish bowl down, unravelled a ludicrously long scarf, and peered around.
– Its lovely in here! Just missing some plants. Want me to bring in a palm tomorrow? Ive got one! We can pretend were in Brighton, or Mauritius, or anywhere sunny and warm I cant stand autumn! Too much rain, not enough sun. If I had my way, Id live on a beach and wear swimsuits all year. Oh, I bought the best one last year bright red, with spots! Absolute stunner. Walk out on the sand, and youre the queen! Never understood why women with less-than-model figures insist on black swimsuits. Black! Ugh!
Mary, whose only swimsuit was indeed black, couldnt help smirking and cut Harriet off. Katie was in stitches, hiding her laughter behind her hands; even stern Lydia wiped a tear from her eyes.
– Harriet, wait! Youve talked our ears off. We know where you came from, but what will you be doing here? Our departments full.
– Programmer, actually. Im only sort of attached to your department no other spare desks. But thats wonderful! I love it here already, and I love you all. So, Im staying! Oh, and by the way meet Horace! She gestured at the goldfish. Golden fish!
– Why fish? Katie was nearly wheezing with laughter.
– Well, fish is feminine, right? But Horace is very much a man! And a real charmer. Since were now colleagues, Ill share a secret with you.
– What is it? Lydia managed, realising her headache had receded a bit.
– Hes a magical goldfish, of course! Grants wishes, honestly! Dont laugh I mean it. You just have to believe in him. Otherwise, hes offended. Come on, dont be shy. Give it a try! She nudged the bowl to the edge of the table.
Katie, glancing at us, stood up.
– How?
– Touch his nose with your finger, like this! Harriet guided her finger to the glass as Horace turned towards us for a moment. Quick, make a wish!
– Out loud?
– No need. Unless you want to wish for world peace, keep it to yourself.
Katie shut her eyes tight, muttered something, and opened them to see the fish hovering before her.
– Did he hear?
– Of course! Harriet beamed.
She turned and cheered, – Next!
Lydia found herself walking over without quite knowing why, touching the bowl and closing her eyes. There was so much she wanted, but one thing pressed in her mind most. She silently wished for it and breathed a sigh of relief.
– I wish the children could be happy
Harriet looked at her very seriously, then beckoned Mary.
– Your turn! Before Horace goes to sleep.
Mary nearly scoffed at the foolishness, but decided against it. Like the others, she touched the bowl and paused, a single wish burning inside her, too secret even for herself to admit.
– Let me find my child
Harriet clapped, laughter ringing so infectiously that we all grinned.
– There! Its started!
She twirled, searching.
– Wheres my chair? Sittings far better for productivity, you know.
– For what? Katie shot her a puzzled look.
– Productivity. Cant get much done standing up. I like to sneak a nap every now and again. Theres no sofa here, so a chair will have to do.
– A nap? At work? Katie gaped.
– Oh, I never get enough sleep at night. I make up for it with power naps. Twenty minutes and Im fresh as a daisy. Will get more done in an hour than most do all week. Horace will vouch for me! Harriet checked out the office and then left, Off to meet the others and claim a chair!
As she disappeared, we looked at each other.
– What just happened? Katie was the first to recover.
– Something rather marvellous, I think Lydia checked the clock and hurried off to collect her grandson from nursery.
Mary shut down her computer and got ready to leave too she had nowhere in particular to rush to, but no reason to stay late either.
Harriet soon returned with a chair, donned her hat, bid us all farewell, and vanished again.
That evening, all three of us rode home through the drizzle, surprised to find it less dreary than usual. The night felt lighter, just knowing a real golden fish might be granting wishes back in the office. Funny, none of us even frowned about our own troubles; in fact, we found ourselves smiling at the prospect of tomorrow, which suddenly felt a great deal less daunting.
Our expectations proved right. The next morning, Harriet arrived balancing the promised palm in a bright pot, bossing Mr. Lewis into helping her wrestle it inside.
– Over here, sir, in this corner! Out of temptations way! Everyone wants a holiday these days, dont they?
Freed at last, Mr. Lewis gasped in relief.
– Couldnt agree more!
– Tell you what for your sterling help, Horace will do you a good turn!
– Who? Mr. Lewis glanced around, but only the women were in the room.
– Horace! Harriet pointed to the aquarium. Go on, make a wish. One each for now, hes just a little un.
He looked to Mary, then obediently did as she instructed before leaving, shaking his head in disbelief.
– Harriet, youre something else! Katie hung her dripping raincoat and opened her umbrella in the corner with the others.
– Well, bosses are people too! Dont tell me they dont have wishes? Harriet rummaged in her rucksack and pulled out a bright pink mug and a stovetop coffee pot. Coffee, anyone? Lucky youve got a hob in the kitchen. At my old place, I nearly lost my marbles with that coffee machine.
We nodded, and she disappeared to brew the coffee. Ten minutes later, the entire accounts team was savouring the most marvellous coffee any of us had ever tasted.
– Splendid! Harriet, whats this blend?
– Kopi luwak. My neighbour brought it back from holiday. I give his mum massages and he keeps me in coffee.
Katie set her mug down gently.
– Oh
– Whats wrong? Lydia looked at her in confusion.
– I read once how they make this coffee
– So what? Harriet took a sip and ducked back under her desk to untangle a mess of wires.
– But Do you actually know?
– Oh, absolutely! Natures full of surprises. Its delicious, isnt it? And its roasted so thoroughly theres nothing left to be worried about! Youve drunk half already.
With a dubious look, Katie picked up her mug. Mary caught her eye and grinned.
– Well, if you say so and Katie took another sip, nodding. It is good!
Since Harriets arrival, life in our little office changed entirely. Laughter rang out all the time, reports got finished faster and with less stress, and anyone who entered with a complaint quickly found themselves in Harriets warm grasp first a visit to Horace, then a sweet from a never-empty dish she kept on her desk. Where these magical little boiled sweets came from, no one could wring from her.
– Where I got them is where theyre gone from! shed say, winking.
Dazed by such a reception, most visitors forgot why theyd come and shuffled away to remember in the corridor. If they returned, it was with a smile and their complaint vanished.
Katie was the first to realise her wish had been granted. Leaving work early one day after a power outage, she spotted her boyfriend the one she was planning to marry standing outside her building, locked in an unmistakably affectionate embrace with a tall, pretty girl. Hardly the sort of embrace for a relative. Pausing, Katie calmly snapped a few photos on her phone and strutted up in her high-heeled boots, catching him off guard.
– Katie
– Im here for her. She handed him her keys. These, please.
He started to protest, but Katie just shook her head.
– Dont. Im changing the locks anyway. All the best.
Upstairs, Katie thought she might cry but decided it wasnt worth it. She baked herself an apple crumble, watched comedy films, and congratulated Horace, the wise little fish.
The following morning, she thanked him quietly at the bowl. Harriet simply smiled, for once saying nothing.
Next was Lydia, a few months later. Returning home late, she found her ex-husband there, helping their son sort paperwork.
– Mum! Perfect timing, I need your help. These forms see, everythings here! I need my birth certificate, too.
– What for? Lydia checked the paper. Dont you have a passport?
– The college in London needs it. I want to study there. If it works out, I can go on to university, like Ive always dreamed become a physicist.
Lydia, dazed, read through the forms, then sat down.
– But Theres accommodation here, prep courses Son
– Mum, calm down! Its a big chance. I never thought Id be accepted, coming from an ordinary school. Dad helped with the entrance exam and I made it. We didnt want to say anything until it was settled. But, Mum Will you let me go?
She hesitated. Of course, he was already taller than her, living his own life, but physics was no fleeting whim for him. If letting him go meant fulfilling his dream, so be it; who was she to clip her childs wings?
She nodded resolutely.
– All right.
The rest of the evening was consumed by forms and paperwork. Later, her daughter called.
– Mum, could Charlie stay this weekend? Please?
– Love, I did hope for a break
– Please, mum. You dont understand weve made up, Charlies father and I Hes asked me to marry him again
Lydia barely listened further; she stifled a sob and agreed.
The next day, Horace received another quiet thank you, and Harriet couldnt help but crow, See? I told you so!
Mary was the last whose wish came true, though it needed Harriets help. One morning, Harriet arrived early, printed something off, and called Mary out into the corridor.
– Here! She handed over the printout.
– Whats this?
– Sorry to be blunt, but I cant ignore this. You know the company monitors what people do online? I’ve tried to cover for you, but this caught my attention.
Two small children looked back at Mary from the photo clearly snapped in haste but their faces were unmistakable. Something tugged painfully inside her.
– Where did this come from?
– I know youre searching for a child. Well these are brother and sister, they live in my block. Their dad left, mums an alcoholic, children taken into care Mums lost all rights. I get this might not be what you planned but maybe consider it? Theyre lovely, bright, healthy. Just unlucky.
Mary stared at the picture, knuckles white with the grip.
– How old?
– Three and two. Irish twins. Think it over, and if youre interested, Ill put you in touch with their carer.
Mary became a mother within months, after all the papers were sorted.
Not long after, Harriet gathered her things, waved goodbye to everyone, and left for good, leaving us Horace and the palm as keepsakes.
Katie and Lydia, despite their best attempts, never learned much about Harriets personal life. They looked after the goldfish, each mourning Harriet in their own way. Eventually, Mary explained the reason for her departure.
– Her mum was very ill bedridden nearly a decade. Thats why Harriet stayed here instead of moving to London in truth, shes a brilliant programmer, very talented. Sadly, her marriage failed, but she has a daughter now and is raising her alone. Her mums passed away, so she finally felt free to move forward.
– She left then?
– Yes. She said her work here was done, and it was time to go.
Katie approached the bowl, gazed at Horace, and asked,
– Where did she find the strength for all of it? Her mum, her child, all those problems Yet she always smiled, always found something positive even in the worst days. Remember when she brought that swimsuit and made us all join in how we sat under the palm on Friday, sipping her homemade mocktails? Who else would think of that? And she had those ideas all the time! Where did it all come from?
– I dont know. Mary shook her head. If I did, Id run straight for the source. To learn how to love people and life like that to find light in the smallest things and change your whole outlook.
– Weve changed, though, havent we? Lydia said, producing a costly little pouch of coffee. Its expensive, but I cant deny myself this pleasure anymore. Coffee, girls?
We sat under Harriets palm, toasting Horaces aquarium with mugs of coffee, quietly wishing happiness to that extraordinary girl who had swept into our small world like a whirlwind, turning everything upside down and teaching us something very important that some things cant be bought, only given as a gift, freely and generously, by someone with plenty to spare. When that happens, it brings faith in people, warmth, and kindness that can wash away all the stiffness and gloom, leaving fond memories and a subtly transformed world. Maybe things dont get instantly better, but they become a little brighter, life feels a little more hopeful and thats really something.
As I close this diary page, I realise: the most profound changes often start with small, unexpected kindness. All it takes is one person, brave enough to give a piece of their warmth to those around them. I hope I can learn to do the same.
