After working for a firm for the past 23 years, Tony finally achieved his bachelor in business administration in an Institute for Higher Education. All sacrifices and efforts in gaining this degree, should probably give him a chance to earn a fatter paycheck. He was already calculating in his mind, how swiftly he could pay off his mortgage, his car- and his study loan in the next 11 months. With a smile on his face he was getting closer to the Human Resource manager's office, to discuss the raise he thought he deserved after decade in this firm. Before he walked in, he heard his name being mentioned in a conversation between his manager and the head of HR. He could clearly overhear the most hurtfull words that were being used, that felt like a knife being pierced into the heart. Being replaced and not eligible for a salary raise, were two of those words. It sounded so unreal that he pinched himself to check if he was conscience. How could they talk in this manner about him. Why did he deserved this treatment, after working countless day till late in evening and afterhours. What was supposed to be the most wonderfull day in Tony's life, ended in a heartbraking reality. To make this worst, he was one day away from spending his 48th birthday with his wife Rose, at the Mariott hotel for a weekend. With tears in his eyes, he was preparing himself to share this update with Rose. He turned away from the officedoor of the HR manager and decided to leave the office earlier than normal. For a late bloomer like Tony, this day was a total nightmare.
(End of Chapter 1)