Emotional Support

Ranell winced at Stass' outburst, but he knew it was coming. He’d been dreading this conversation since the moment he received the memo from the CEO. But he had to face the music and deliver the news to his friend.

“I know this is difficult, Ken. Believe me, I didn't want to do this either,” Ranell said, his voice barely above a whisper. “But GML is in trouble. The financials are not looking good, and we need to cut costs wherever we can. It's nothing personal.”

Stass slammed his fist on the table, causing the coffee cups to rattle. “No, Josef. I don't know how it is. I thought we were friends. I thought we had each other's backs. But I guess that was all just a lie, huh?”

Ranell winced again. He had expected anger, but he didn't expect it to be this intense. It's not a lie, Ken. We are friends. But I have a responsibility to the company…” He didn’t get a chance to finish.

“Responsibility?” Stass snorted. “What about your responsibility to me. Josef? What about my family and their livelihood? How am I going to pay the bills now?”

Ranell felt a pang of guilt in his chest. He knew that Stass was right. Firing him would have a significant impact on his life and the lives of his loved ones. But he had no choice.

Stass chuckled bitterly. “Now I wish they had pulled you out of your car and beaten you. You’d have gotten what you deserve. No jobs, no justice!” He left the office, slamming the door behind him.