Chapter 21
Ethan took out the warehouse key and noticed the main door was open as he held the metal hand bar and slid the metal door. He cautiously entered the warehouse and saw Momo resting on top of his station desk, and the sound of a person working could be heard as the person came to view. It was Mr. Ross who was concerned about seeing Ethan back; he looked worried and a bit tired. He was holding a few parcels and was visibly relieved to see Ethan. Mr. Ross explained that he had been working late to finish up some urgent orders and was grateful for Ethan's unexpected help in securing the warehouse. Ethan quickly offered to assist with unloading the parcels, eager to help out his boss after noticing how exhausted he looked.
Ethan assisted the old man as he sat him down on the chair and offered apologies for coming in a bit late. Mr. Ross was grateful for Ethan's understanding and assured him that his help was greatly appreciated. He told Ethan he was just tired and thinking of taking some needed rest, and those days when Ethan was in the hospital, the parcels that were supposed to go out were put on hold, and the clients were given prior notice concerning the delay.
"Don't worry too much, Ethan; those parcels can always wait."
"What's important is your safety and being okay."
" I am really getting too old for this; I think it's time that I retire from this job and just move on." "I've put in my time, and it's time for someone else to take over."
Mr. Ross said with a sigh.
"I'll miss the work, but I know it's the right decision for me now."
" I'll be able to spend more time with my family and focus on my health."
he added, looking forward to his retirement.
"I appreciate all the opportunities this job has given me, but it's time for a new chapter in my life."
"I know this is a sudden shock, Ethan , but you can see I am no longer fit to manage this place. That is the main reason why I was looking for a trustworthy person like you."
"I have full confidence in your abilities to take over and continue the success of this place," Ethan's boss assured him.
"I know you will do great things here."
"You have proven yourself time and time again, and I believe in your potential to lead this place effectively."
Ethan's boss continued.
"I will support you in any way I can during this transition period."
"Please understand, Ethan. This might be too much for you now to comprehend, but I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion and excel in this new role."
"Nothing will change. Just deliver the package and parcels, and after fifteen days, you will receive your salary. "
Ethan could not utter a single word as he was completely overwhelmed by the unexpected promotion. He nodded in gratitude, knowing that he had a lot of hard work ahead of him to prove himself in his new role. He held the old man's hand and thanked him.
"Ethan, this old man is tired. Could you please call a taxi cab? I wish to go home and rest."
"Oh! By the way, why remember a monthly gathering? You are now also in charge of that."
"The monthly tea party is a tradition that I'm sure you'll continue with great success," the old man added with a smile. Ethan felt a surge of confidence, knowing that he had the support and trust of his boss as he embarked on this new chapter in his career.
"The warehouse key I gave you is a master key; it opens all the doors here , including the basement."
"Sir, we have a basement.?"
"Yes, we have Ethan; don't worry, that area is safe; the fire could never reach down there. " Ethan nodded, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension about what secrets the basement might hold. "
Mr. Ross expanded on his description of the basement, stating that it was the additional space used to hold goods and undeliverable letters that had not been received. Given his prior knowledge of their largest customer, which consisted of numerous goods sent to the Siegert Corporation, he provided Ethan with a brief account of the day Katarine visited them in search of something.
Mr. Ross told Ethan that the Siegert family has a long family history dating back to the 15th century . He mentioned that the Siegert Corporation has been a client for generations, with a rich family history that dates back to the 15th century. Ethan realized that there may be valuable historical artifacts stored in the basement, adding to the mystery of what could be found there.
Katarine was actually looking for her mother's personal belongings that may have been left behind during her visit to the Siegert Corporation. Ethan's curiosity was piqued, wondering what significant items from the past could potentially be discovered in the basement.
Mr. Ross explained that Katarine is a very special person, and even if she is sometimes quite an overbearing and unredictable person, the weight on her burden was so great that no other person could understand her pain . He urged Ethan to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, as Katarine's actions were likely a result of her deep emotional struggles. Ethan nodded in agreement, realizing the importance of showing compassion towards Katarine during this difficult time.
"Mr. Ross, I know you have been playing cupid with me and Katarine in the past few days, but I appreciate your concern."
Ethan said, trying to diffuse any potential tension.
"I will make sure to handle the situation delicately and with care."
"So you knew about my intention, Ethan, but you never once reacted negatively."
Ethan replied with a smile.
"I believe that understanding and compassion can go a long way in resolving any issue."
"Everything was too well planned and executed for me to not have noticed, Mr. Ross. Your efforts did not go unnoticed."
Ethan expressed himself sincerely. Mr. Ross replied,
"I just want to see if you are a suitable candidate for her to gain hope."
"The moment you walked through that door , I felt a spark of potential in you. I have high hopes for your future."
Ethan nodded in appreciation, feeling motivated by Mr. Ross's words.
I'm glad you understand."
Ethan smiled gratefully, feeling reassured by Mr. Ross's explanation .
"Honestly, Ethan , at first I was kind of hesitant about the whole situation, but seeing how much you care for Katarine well being has put my mind at ease."
Ethan admitted being reluctant and wanting to quit his job, but he wasn't raised by his parents in that manner. He added that there were moments when he felt he was being used, but he also understood that the world is not always fair and he should accept these things as part of life's challenges. Ethan knew that perseverance and a positive attitude were key to overcoming obstacles and achieving something positive.
"Mr. Ross, I am just an ordinary person with a simple upbringing in life. I was molded to learn and survive in the harsh world, but never forget my roots."
"My father was a hardworking man who taught me the value of integrity and humility. I strive to honor his legacy by staying true to myself and always working hard to achieve my goals."
"And my mother taught me the importance of kindness and compassion towards others. I carry her lessons with me every day, striving to make a positive impact in the world around me."
"I'm glad we could talk about this openly and come to an understanding."
Mr. Ross replied with a sense of relief evident in his tone.
" Katarine Horn Siegert is my godchild. , and I want to make sure she is surrounded by people who truly care for her well-being." Ethan nodded in understanding, grateful for Mr. Ross's explanation and commitment to Katarine's happiness.
"I might have started this with the wrong impression, but I'm truly dedicated to her well being and happiness," Mr. Ross added sincerely.
"You will understand my reasons well enough; here, take this ."
In an attempt to show that he was sincere about his aspirations for Katarine's future, Mr. Ross gave Ethan a folder with paperwork detailing her accomplishments and objectives. Mr. Ross's remarks gave Ethan comfort, and he eagerly accepted the folder, wanting to help Katarine in any way he could.
"She never likes writing her own memoirs. Unlike her mother, who was always eager to share her life story, Katarine prefers to let her actions speak for themselves."
"Katarine's father's sadness nearly ruined him. After his wife passed away, he wanted to free his heart from the pain and asked me to remove all her belongings from this location for safekeeping." Ethan was touched by the vulnerability in Mr. Ross's voice as he shared this personal detail about Katarine's family history. It deepened his understanding of the weight that Katarine carried with her every day.
Ethan was now able to see Katarine in a new light, with a newfound empathy for the strength she displayed in facing her past. This is one of the few reasons why she was like this; her personality was created out of being forced to carry such a heavy burden from a young age. A news clipping of the tragedy surrounding her was enough for Ethan to see another side of Katarine's unpredictability and erratic attitude, shedding light on the internal struggles she faced when she was still young.
So everything he was seeing, hearing, and personally witnessing with the Siegert family was all crafted to hide the real pain and trauma that Katarine had endured. The facade of strength and indifference she portrayed was merely a coping mechanism to protect herself from further hurt and vulnerability.
" Ethan, I know you have so many questions, and you might even be thinking I am pushing you toward another scenario , but I need you to understand that there is so much more to Katarine's story than what meets the eye."
Suddenly, the taxi cab came and honked twice, indicating it was in front of the warehouse.
Mr. Ross stood up and tapped Ethan's shoulders, and for the last time he gave Ethan his last parting words of advice.
"Ethan, everything that is happening now is orchastrated by fate; the wheels of destiny are always turning. Remember, sometimes the hardest choices lead to the greatest outcomes. Trust yourself and trust the process."
Mr. Ross said with a reassuring smile before Ethan stepped out of the car and into a new chapter of his life.
" Trust yourself and trust the process."
"This is the second time I heard this saying. Was this another coincidence or an elaborate plan created by the fate of those who are guiding me?"
Ethan pondered as he walked along with Mr. Ross as he guided him toward the taxi cab. As Mr. Ross settled inside the taxi , Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness in his heart but Mr. Ross spoke.
" I am just retiring as the director of the warehouse; I am not dying yet."
"So wipe those sad looks off your face; I am tired and not dying, you silly "
"Sigh, I just need a break from all the chaos at work," Mr. Ross chuckled. Ethan couldn't help but smile, feeling relieved that Mr. Ross was not leaving forever.
"So remember, our tea party next week will still be on, and we can celebrate your retirement properly," Ethan said with a grin. Mr. Ross nodded and laughed with a twinkle in his eye, grateful for his support and understanding.
"I can't wait to relax and enjoy some tea with all of you."
He said it warmly. As the taxi drove away under the scorching heat of the sun,, Mr. Ross waved goodbye with a sense of contentment, looking forward to the peaceful days ahead. Ethan watched him go, grateful for the opportunity to celebrate his mentor's retirement in a meaningful way.
" Meow!"
"So it's just us now Mono."
Ethan chuckled at Mono's meow, grateful for the feline companion that would keep him company in the days to come. With a smile, he walked back into the warehouse, ready to start again.
"Time to work again; wait, today is Saturday "