The Perspective

Partners?

The Daily Times HQ, TwinBroad Street – 9:00 AM

"Good morning, Isabella. Seems like you've arrived pretty early today?" said Jason.

"Good morning, Sir! Today, the new joiners will be coming to the office, right? I’m a little excited to meet them," Isabella replied cheerfully.

"Oh, I see. I just mistook that playfulness for commitment toward work," Jason quipped with a smirk.

"Sir___!" exclaimed Isabella, rolling her eyes.

"Just kidding, Isabella. Have a great day," Jason said, heading to his office.

"Thank you, Sir! You too!" Isabella responded with a smile.

9:30 AM

"Time is already 15 minutes past the reporting time. Why isn’t anyone here yet?" Isabella muttered, a little disappointed.

TwinBroad Street was infamous for its heavy traffic, and it was common practice for workers to arrive at least 15 minutes late. Even companies had adjusted to these timings.

Isabella, however, had woken up at 6 AM to visit her mother in the hospital before heading to the office. Thanks to her early start, she had beaten the morning rush.

Meanwhile…

The door creaked open, and a man in a crisp blue shirt and neatly tucked outfit stepped in.

"Hey! What a surprise!" the man exclaimed.

Confused, Isabella frowned. "What do you mean, surprise?"

"Seriously? You don’t remember me?" said the man, clearly disappointed.

"Umm... Sorry, but no," Isabella admitted, utterly clueless.

"I’m John. John Vilbert. The guy from the other day? Remember? I followed you from ElvynGross to here, even paid your taxi bill!" John explained, trying to jog her memory.

"Oh… Ohh! It’s you! Yes, I remember now. John, right?" Isabella said, realization dawning on her. "Well, I really want to repay you, but I don’t have the $10 with me right now, so…"

"Did I even ask you for it?" John interrupted. "By the way, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, I joined here and have been working for about five days now."

"Wow, that’s great! I was really worried you’d missed the interview that day!"

"By the way, I thought you didn’t like news reporting jobs. What brings you here?" Isabella asked curiously.

"Well, about that…" John leaned closer and whispered, "I heard this Jason guy is pretty rich and offered me a fancy salary."

"Is it? Well, good for you. Hope you learn good things about reporting while working here," Isabella replied with a smirk.

"Well, well, seems like you both are getting along well," Jason remarked, suddenly appearing.

"Sir! Good morning, sir. John Vilbert reporting, sir!" said John, immediately straightening up.

"Morning. Well, Isabella, I thought of introducing Mr. John to you, but you two seem to know each other already," Jason said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, Sir. Pretty well."

"No, Sir. Nothing like that!" John and Isabella said simultaneously.

Jason laughed. "Hahaha! I like your sense of humor, Isabella."

"Sir, why did you want to introduce us to each other?" John asked, curious.

Isabella was also eager to know.

"Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? You should know the people you closely associate with and work alongside," Jason said cryptically.

"And by that, what do you mean, Sir?" Isabella asked, sensing something was up.

"You and John are going to be partners in the local news department," Jason announced with a satisfied grin.

"Oh, really? Great!" John exclaimed, delighted.

"Wait, what? No…" Isabella stammered, stunned by this sudden twist of fate.

She froze, unable to digest the rigorous stir destiny had just thrown her way.