Transformed

Transformed

He sat in a chair outside the boss's office, his knee shaking at a
rapid pace as he chewed at a hangnail. If he hadn't been situated so
close to the others, he'd have begun to whistle by now to settle his
nerves.

What was keeping the boss? Oh, he knew the boss was a very busy person
but he was dying here. He let out a small snort of laughter at his
inaccurate use of that expression. It could no longer be true.

He was still not accustomed to this state of being. It had been so
sudden and such a short time ago. He shuddered, a slight nearly
invisible movement, as he remembered the events that led to his
arrival. It had been quite a shock to everyone - most of all to him, of
course. Things had been going so well after so many bad years and he'd
just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Restless, he began to roam the waiting area. It was light and airy, but
extremely busy. There always seemed to be plenty to do but everything
seemed to get done in a cheerful, efficient manner. Everyone wore a
genuine smile no matter how pressed he or she seemed to be to get a
project completed. That was one of the best things about being here. No
phony helpfulness or fixed smiles or false words uttered through
gritted teeth. Some might find it saccharine but he found it extremely
agreeable.

"Mr. Duncan, your presence is requested in the boss's office," a
pleasant voice informed him. Turning, he followed the owner of that
voice into a large, sunny room. Wow, one almost needs shades in here,
he thought.

"You'll get used to it son," a deep voice rumbled. "Sit down, don't
look so frightened. I don't bite you know - unless I need to." The last
words were accompanied by a deep laugh.

Fred Duncan took a seat in front of the impressive desk and folded his
hands in his lap, waiting to learn the reason for this summons to the
boss's office. He didn't have long to wait.

The boss picked up some documents and scanned them rapidly. He looked
up and fixed Fred with his large expressive eyes. "I have a job for
you," he said.

"Me? Umm, I'm kinda new aren't I?" questioned Fred. "Not that I don't
want to do whatever?"

The boss interrupted. "Fred, you will be perfect. Besides, don't you
want to enter the next level?"

"Yesss, of course?"

"You'll do fine. Just call on me if you need assistance and listen to
what I say. Here's the assignment?"

Fred was back in the waiting room. He was a wholly different being than
he had been just a few short days ago. Rather than bouncing his knee
nervously, he was sitting quietly. A luminous glow of peace radiated
from him as though Fred had swallowed sunshine. He no longer fought an
urge to whistle. Instead his lips moved in joyous praise.

"The boss will see you now, Mr. Duncan."

Fred almost floated into the big, sunny office. Today the brightness
didn't bother him at all. Oh, he was still in awe, but it was
different. He felt he truly belonged.

"Fred, come in my boy, come in. Have a seat." The boss's genial smile
and cordial greeting brought an even bigger smile to Fred's face.

He sat, totally at ease.

The boss again picked up some documents and scanned them. When he
lifted his head, he looked into Fred's eyes and gently said, "Well done
my good and faithful servant. The boy is doing well and is staying off
those drugs. You've earned your wings. Welcome my newest angel, welcome
home."