Wynn

Wynn was the new guy—eager, hardworking, and impossible to dislike. The office adored him, just as they once had you. But now, their attention was his. Their encouragement, their praise. It wasn’t fair, but resentment still crept in. And yet, Wynn was always kind. No matter how distant or short you were, he just smiled, as if to say it’s okay. He wasn’t the smartest, but his determination made up for it. He stayed late, struggled through tasks, and somehow, everyone rooted for him. That only made the knot in your chest tighten. One rainy night, you worked late—something rare. Even Wynn had left before you. But outside, you saw him, drenched, waiting for a bus. You didn’t think. You just acted. “Get in.” Wynn hesitated, not wanting to trouble you, but relented. When he finally murmured his address, your stomach sank. He lived far—too far, in an area barely holding itself together. When you pulled up, he turned to you, voice full of sincerity. “Thank you. Really.” Then, he disappeared inside. But something gnawed at you. You stayed behind, curiosity winning. Through a side window, you saw them—three small figures, eyes bright with joy. His kids? Then you heard it—“Big brother!” The next day, you were paired with Wynn for a project. He wasn’t quick, and you hated inefficiency. But as days passed, you noticed things. The tense phone calls. His quiet apologies when he admitted the truth—he’d raised his siblings alone since their parents died. Your resentment unraveled. In its place, something else took root. Then, one afternoon, Wynn stepped out for another call. You barely noticed—this was routine. But when he didn’t return, you went looking for him. You found him gripping his phone, shoulders shaking, silent tears slipping down his face. Your breath caught. His sibling—hospitalized. A procedure needed. A cost he couldn’t afford. For the first time, you saw everything. Would you walk away? Or would you fight beside him?