Short Stories

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Lead Me

Mary stopped at the door just before stepping out into the brisk September morning and glanced at the papers she left on her desk the night before. Papers that represented and devoured every penny she worked for, bills and college tuition for Karla.

Karla, Mary’s very timid 17-year-old daughter who after great deliberation finally agreed to go to college. Mary always admired her child’s resolve though timid, once she dared to get involved one would never think she was her own obstacle. For her, Mary has fought against all odds to provide and give her as normal a life as possible, they were each other’s strength. Mary whispered a quick prayer and headed out the door towards the A train.

When Mary arrived at Morgenstern, Morgenstern & Levine she noticed a heaviness in the air. Jerry the front desk security guard’s greeting was not his usual pretend English accent, which seemed odd to Mary.

Mary reached the 10th Floor and headed towards the employee lounge for a fresh cup of brewed coffee, but the pot was empty, odd. Suddenly she sensed a protective presence come over her whispering, “For I know the plans I have for you..”

She walked toward the office manager’s office only to find the door closed. There were only two reasons why Margie would close her door, one she wasn’t in and two she had to deal with a serious or confidential matter. Lights were on and door closed. Mary whispered a quick prayer and headed towards her desk.

The atmosphere was a somber one as oppose to the loud chatter and laughter that took place every morning before everyone settled down to their task at hand. As Mary started her computer and organized herself her heart froze as the hum of voices rose and words like downsizing, lay offs, pink slip, unemployment became audible.

Mary closed her eyes all she could see was her desk at home and the bills she left there. Mary whispered a prayer, “Oh Lord what am I to do?” The protective presence came over her and whispered, “I know the plans I have for you…”

Karla was surprised to see Mary waiting for her at the bus stop. “Mom you’re home early.” “Yes I am and there is a reason for that but we’ll talk inside.” Mary unlocked the brakes on Karla’s wheelchair and wheeled her off the bus platform. When she looked up old Mr. Reese was making his way towards her waving a letter in his hand while balancing himself with his cane. She waited, he handed her a letter, which was delivered to him but was addressed to Mary. The return address read Columbia University. Mr. Reese eagerly asked, “Do you think that letter is about the teaching position?” Mary smiled.

“For I know the plans I have for you…”

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