The following morning, Maya arrived at work, trying to push aside the lingering thoughts of Jason. She was determined to focus on her tasks and prove to herself that she could keep her personal life separate from her job. But as soon as she walked into the office, she sensed that something was different. The usual hum of activity seemed subdued, and she noticed a few of her coworkers glancing at her with concern.
Maya's heart sank as she made her way to her desk. Before she could sit down, Leah appeared beside her, her expression serious but kind.
"Maya, the boss wants to see you in her office," Leah said gently.
Maya felt a jolt of anxiety. She knew this wasn’t just a routine meeting. She had a sinking feeling that Leah had told their boss about their conversation the day before. Maya had hoped to keep her struggles private, but now it seemed that was no longer possible.
Taking a deep breath, Maya nodded and followed Leah to the office of their boss, Isabelle Carter. Isabelle was the CEO of the tech start-up, a formidable woman in her early forties who had built the company from the ground up. She was known for her sharp intellect, no-nonsense attitude, and her genuine care for her employees. Isabelle had a reputation for being tough but fair, and Maya had always admired her.
When Maya entered Isabelle's office, she found her sitting behind her sleek glass desk, her expression unreadable. Isabelle gestured for Maya to sit down, and Leah quietly closed the door behind them, leaving the two women alone.
"Maya," Isabelle began, her tone calm but firm, "Leah has informed me that you’ve been struggling with some personal issues lately. I wanted to check in with you personally and see how you’re doing."
Maya felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She had never intended for this to reach Isabelle’s ears. "I’m fine, Isabelle," Maya insisted, forcing a smile. "I’ve just been a little distracted, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I promise it won’t affect my work."
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Isabelle studied Maya for a moment, her eyes full of concern. "Maya, I appreciate your dedication, but your well-being is more important than any project. It’s clear that something is bothering you, and I want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself."
Maya opened her mouth to protest, but Isabelle held up a hand, stopping her.
"I’m giving you some time off, Maya," Isabelle continued. "Take a leave of absence, at least two weeks. Use that time to rest, reflect, and seek help if you need it. I can’t have you burning out. You’re a valuable member of this team, and I want you to be at your best when you’re here."
Maya’s heart sank. The last thing she wanted was to be away from work, especially now when she needed the distraction. "Isabelle, I really don’t need time off. I’m fine, really. I can handle this."
Isabelle leaned forward slightly, her expression softening. "Maya, I’ve been in your shoes before. I know how easy it is to think you can push through whatever you’re dealing with, but that’s not always the best solution. Sometimes, stepping back is what you need to regain your perspective. I’m not just asking you to take this time off—I’m telling you. Consider it an order from your boss."
Maya stared at Isabelle, realizing there was no point in arguing. Isabelle wasn’t going to back down, and in truth, a small part of Maya knew she might be right. Still, the idea of taking time off felt like admitting defeat, and that was something Maya wasn’t comfortable with.
Seeing the conflict in Maya’s eyes, Isabelle added gently, "I’m not saying this because I think you’re weak, Maya. I’m saying it because I care about you as a person, not just as an employee. You’ve been doing amazing work here, and I want to make sure you’re able to continue doing that without sacrificing your mental health."
Maya felt a lump form in her throat. She had always admired Isabelle’s strength and leadership, but in this moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for her boss’s compassion.
"Thank you," Maya said quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "I appreciate that, Isabelle."
Isabelle nodded, her expression softening further. "Take the time you need. And if you feel up to it, I encourage you to talk to someone—a therapist, a counselor, someone who can help you work through whatever is weighing on your mind. We all need help sometimes, and there’s no shame in that."
Maya nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. The idea of talking to a therapist was daunting, but she couldn’t deny that something needed to change. Her thoughts of Jason, the confusion in her heart, the stress of keeping it all together—it was too much to handle alone.
"I’ll think about it," Maya said, trying to sound more confident than she felt.
Isabelle smiled warmly. "Good. And remember, this time off is for you. Don’t worry about work—we’ll manage. When you’re ready to come back, we’ll be here."
As Maya left Isabelle’s office, she felt a wave of emotions wash over her. Part of her was relieved to have some time to herself, but another part of her felt anxious about what she might discover during that time. She knew she needed to confront her feelings for Jason, her relationship with Alex, and the direction her life was taking. But for now, she would take it one day at a time, and try to find some clarity in the midst of the storm.