Short story: What Has Been, Will Not Return

Once upon a time, in a world that seemed as stable and predictable as the sunrise, there was a man named Miguel who enjoyed his morning routines at the office. Every morning, without fail, he would delight in a sip of his black coffee, a ritual that brought him a sense of comfort and familiarity amidst the hustle and bustle of the day. As he slowly sipped the dark liquid, his eyes would rest on the door, waiting in anticipation for the arrival of his co-workers, those who had become like a second family to him.

One by one, the familiar faces appeared: Elena, with her natural elegance and radiant smile; Pedro, always ready for a joke to lighten the mood; Luis, the brains of the team, with his mind always working on innovative solutions; and Carlos, the loyal friend who always had a word of encouragement. Together, they formed an unbreakable team, united by a common purpose: to create computer programs that would help companies thrive in the world of accounting and administration.

“Good morning, friends!” exclaimed Miguel, raising his coffee cup in a gesture of greeting.

“Good morning, Miguel!” they responded in a chorus, as they sat down in their respective places.

The atmosphere in the office was like an oasis of calm amidst the chaos of the outside world. Miguel felt fortunate to be part of a place where hard work was combined with a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Each morning, as he entered the office, he was greeted by the softness of the carpet under his feet and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. He would sink into one of the reclining chairs, designed to provide comfort and support for his back after long hours in front of the screen.

“What are your plans for today, Miguel?” asked Elena, as she sat down next to him.

“I want to finish that accounting project that's been bogging us down,” Miguel replied, with a sigh.

“Come on, Miguel, you can do it!” encouraged Pedro, with a smile.

As they worked, they enjoyed the air conditioning that maintained the perfect temperature, a luxury not always available in their hometown, known for its scorching summers. Their eyes swept over the wide desks, crammed with office utensils that made their work easier, from pens and pencils to staples and paper clips. Each item had been carefully selected to optimize productivity and workflow.

But beyond the physical amenities, what really made the office a special place were the human connections forged between team members. Miguel felt fortunate to work with a group of talented and dedicated people, each with their own unique strengths and skills. Together, they accomplished things that individually seemed impossible.

“You know, Elena, you've always struck me as a very special woman,” Miguel said to her, in a whisper.

Elena looked at him in surprise, but then smiled, “Why do you say that, Miguel?”

“Because you are the only one who can make the world seem a more beautiful place,” Miguel replied, with a whisper.

Elena blushed, but said no more. Miguel knew he couldn't wait any longer, that he had to move on with his life. But at that moment, in that place, he felt that the world stopped and that only he and Elena were there.

But what fascinated Miguel the most were Elena's eyes, two windows to a soul deep and full of mystery. When their gazes met, Miguel felt the world around him fade away, leaving him trapped in an eternal moment. Although he knew that a relationship between them was unlikely, he couldn't help daydreaming about the possibility of getting to know her better, of discovering the secrets she hid behind that enigmatic smile.

Every day, Miguel strived to be the best version of himself, driven by the hope that maybe, just maybe, Elena would come to see him as more than just a co-worker. He worked tirelessly, putting in extra hours to hone his skills and create programs that would impress his clients. He longed for the moment when he could approach her and strike up a conversation beyond work-related topics, but fear of rejection and awkwardness kept him at bay.

In the meantime, life went on at the office. Projects came one after another, and Miguel's team faced increasingly complex challenges. But together, they managed to overcome any obstacle, strengthening the bonds that united them as a team and as friends. Miguel felt lucky to be part of something so special, to have a place where he belonged and where his skills were valued.

But as in every story, there came a time when everything changed. One day, like any other, Miguel walked into the office with his cup of coffee, ready to face a new day. But something in the atmosphere was different, a palpable tension that spread through every corner of the space. The faces of his colleagues reflected concern and fear, and he soon learned the reason: a rare and deadly virus had appeared in the world, spreading at an alarming speed.

“What is it, friends?” asked Miguel, his voice full of concern.

“It's the virus, Miguel,” replied Luis, in a whisper. "We are losing people every day. We don't know what to do."

Miguel felt terrified. He couldn't believe that everything they had built was falling apart. But he knew he couldn't stop working, that he had to keep going and find a solution.

As the days went by, the situation became more and more serious. Businesses began to close, unemployment rose to levels never seen before, and death became a frequent visitor to every home. Miguel and his team struggled to keep their company afloat, working tirelessly from their trench-like homes. But despite their efforts, the reality was undeniable: nothing would ever be the same again.

As he looked out the window of his small apartment, Miguel could not help but feel a deep nostalgia for the days gone by. He missed the warmth of the office, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the laughter shared with his colleagues. But most of all, he missed Elena, her captivating beauty and comforting presence. Now, in the midst of uncertainty and fear, he clung to the memories like a castaway to a lifeline.

Little by little, Miguel adapted to his new reality. He became a web designer, using his skills to help businesses survive in a digital world. But deep in his heart, he would always hold a special place for those days in the office, when the world seemed safer and more predictable. He knew that nothing would ever be the same again, that the past was gone forever. But in the midst of the darkness, he clung to the hope that, someday, the light would shine again.

Source of the images.
Image created with Starryai.