“It's really great to see you in this place. I'm really lucky that I got the recommendation to work here.” The young man named Mike continued to give thanks in front of Violet, who was enjoying her lunch.
Today, Mike treated Violet to a meal at her favorite small family restaurant. Mike was overjoyed to learn that Violet worked at the same hospital as he did.
“I didn't expect that you would be working at this hospital. Congratulations for being a part of this hospital.” Violet congratulated her junior. Violet honestly felt awkward chatting with Mike like this. Plus, she hadn't seen her junior in quite some time since she had officially graduated from university.
“Thank you. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I'm actually just very happy to see the person I admired in college again,” Mike said honestly. He was quite sensitive when he found Violet looking awkward when chatting with him at this time.
Violet used to be an older sister who had helped him. In particular, Mike used to be a person who was rather difficult to communicate with others. But Violet was kind to him and helped him to communicate with his other friends. Violet's friendly and gregarious nature helped him to be more open to others.
“I think that's been the story for a while. As you can see. I'm not such a cheerful person anymore.”
“No, you're not. You're still the same as before. It's just that you've become a bit more reserved. I thought it was because you were tired. But I guess it's natural because I can clearly see you, working hard at the hospital.” Mike cheerfully conveyed his positive thoughts to Violet.
Violet who saw how her junior seemed to be taking a positive attitude. Feeling quite disturbed. Somehow the memories of her college days came back a bit when she was with Mike.
***
Mike's presence might not make Violet feel entirely happy. In fact, the presence of her junior made her feel annoyed. But strangely, it gave her a kind of strange feeling that was difficult for her to understand on her own.
Even because of Mike's presence in the hospital where he works. It made Violet unconsciously temporarily cancel her intention to quit working at the hospital where she was currently working.
“God, I don't even understand what I'm going through right now,” Violet muttered, her eyes looking straight up at the bright daytime sky.
“Violet I brought a snack. Would you like one?” Suddenly Mike appeared out of nowhere, interrupting Violet who was enjoying her own break.
“Tsk. You just showed up like a ghost. Aren't you going to lunch with the others?”
Mike shook his head. “I brought lunch today. The nurses here are very nice, by the way. They often offer me free lunch.”
“Hey, they're only nice in front of you. Unbeknownst to you, they will talk about you behind your back. Don't fall for their sweet talk,” warned Violet, who was already familiar with the bad habits of her colleagues here. Even Doctor Sae, whom she admired, had chosen to leave the hospital because of the deteriorating work environment.
Mike smiled, unfazed by Violet's reprimand. “Maybe. But I prefer to give everyone a chance before judging them,” he said lightly. “You know, sometimes people change. And who knows, maybe we can be a positive influence on them. I don't mean to patronize or talk wise. I just wanted to share what's in my head at the moment.” Mike didn't lose his positive attitude at all.
Violet let out a long sigh. “You've always had such an optimistic outlook, Mike. But I hope you won't be disappointed.”
Mike looked at Violet thoughtfully. “I think every place has its advantages and disadvantages. But the most important thing is how we deal with it all. And I'm happy to be working with someone I admire. It gives me more energy. You know it feels like the energy in my body is growing.”
Violet was touched by Mike's sincerity. Although she still felt awkward, there was a slight sense of comfort that was slowly growing. “Thank you, Mike. Maybe I should learn from your way of thinking. But I don't want to be too innocent or stupid like you,” she said sarcastically.
In the days that followed, Mike's presence began to add a new color to Violet's life at the hospital. Although she was still bothered by her junior's over-optimism, she couldn't deny that Mike's enthusiasm and positive attitude made the work atmosphere a little lighter and better. For some reason, Mike's presence is felt and felt more than when Sae was still working at the hospital.
As Violet tried to make sense of her mixed feelings, she began to reflect on her purpose in working at the hospital. Maybe, just maybe, Mike's presence is a sign that it's not time to give up. Slowly, she began to accept that life always brings surprises, and sometimes, those surprises come in the form of a cheerful, energetic junior.
“Alright, Mike. I'll try to be more positive,” Violet said one day, smiling slightly. “But remember, you have to be prepared for reality.” Slowly, Mike, who was always cheerful and optimistic, managed to make Violet feel better than before.
Mike chuckled. “Sure, Violet. I'll count on you to remind me. You know that I'm not as smart and naive as you say.”
“You fool! You're apparently taking my words to heart?”
“Not really. That was just a joke. I don't want to be gloomy like you Violet.” Mike stuck out his tongue nosily. His face looked exactly like the stuffed toy monkey that made Violet itch to scratch her junior's face.
“Remind me that scratching your face is not a big mistake.” Violet struck a pose as if she was ready to scratch Mike's face at any moment.
“Looks like for that one, I think you'll get in trouble if you do. Well Violet it looks like break time is over, and I need to get back to my work. I'll see you later if you haven't finished. We should go home together.” Like a child, Mike waved to Violet as he headed back to work.
Violet sighed heavily but was secretly thrilled. “Son of a bitch!” she muttered.
And with that, their relationship began to grow. Not just as coworkers, but also as friends who support each other in the midst of the harsh world Violet rediscovers the spirit she once lost, and Mike, with his never-ending optimism, becomes a comforting figure for her.