Silvery rays danced on the streets and skies of New York City, as bells rang an enchanting melody that went with the wintery season. The gentle rays of the sun melted frost on window panes, cleaned by heroic window washers who scaled sky-high buildings in Bosun’s chair.

The holidays were upon the Earth, but New Yorkers went about their daily activities like every other day of the year. Busy.

It might have been the season of fairytale feelings, belief in miracles and the birth of the Earth’s savior. Still, New Yorkers believed the second week of December, a time to work twice as hard for the sake of bonuses. Afterall, the possibility of smiling at Christmas, though sad is dependent on one’s ability to provide for one’s self and family.

Some employees with soulless eyes jumped in and out of subway trains and buses, while their feet-pinching shoes scaled the sugar-like grains of white on pavements. Other employees walked out of their cars and held brown bags one could only assume was lunch, with eyes half excited and half not. A few workers sat in comfortable cars making endless calls, while their drivers made careful turns, in fear of spilling the coffee in their employer’s hands.

The segregation of classes had a thicker margin that grew clearer each year. While some were grateful to capitalism, others were not.

Offices were opened that beautiful morning and though the teeth-gritting winds sailed the streets, the spaces within buildings were kept warmed by heaters. 

In one of these offices, the voices of individuals could be heard. Phones rang, scanners and photocopiers whirred, kettles whistled in coffee rooms and keyboards were tapped mercilessly. It was a busy morning in Sizeable.

The loud chants and laughter of employees at Sizeable came to an abrupt halt after a human walked in. 

A tall being wrapped in a white trench coat, worn over a lemon colored sweater, took hasty and yet calm steps through the corridors in Sizeable. He clutched unto a small backpack that slid over his left shoulder.

“You know, that bag could be bad for your posture.” Said a plump receptionist, whose face seemed dabbed in the orange of a brilliant sunset.

“Oh…thanks.” 

“It’s okay. How can I help you Sir?”

“Well, I’m looking for Kasey Jones. I have an appointment with her today.”

“Kasey Jones! The boss, Kasey Jones?! You have an appointment with Miss Jones?!” the receptionist asked with excited eyes. The august visitor stared at her and she managed to regain a professional composure.

“I apologize. Miss Jones hardly has men…I mean I thought you were a model and they’re usually on the third floor, so…I’ll just make a call.” The receptionist clung unto a desk phone, wishing the Earth would swallow her.

“Miss Jones will see you now. Just walk straight ahead then take the first turn to your left. That’s where her office is. There’s a name plate on the door, so you wouldn’t miss it.” The receptionist said.

The ‘model’ thanked the receptionist and walked through more corridors and cubicles as silence paved a way for him, leaving excited whispers on his trail.

At the door of Kasey Jones’ office, a petit lady stepped out and stared into the eyes of the model who’d visited Sizeable that morning.

After an awkward second of silence the lady smiled at the model and in a high register she said “You must be Mr. Brandon. Miss Kasey’s been waiting for you. Please come in. I’m Stacey Baker by the way. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you Stacey.” Luca, the visitor at Sizeable said.

The doors to a huge and luxurious office was opened and behind a long mahogany table, seated on the coal-black leather of a chair, was a lady whose skin was grazed by sunrays. 

The black on Kasey’s head shimmered brown at a distance and the gentle curve of her chin dug into a palm. Her glossed lips slightly spread apart mumbled words as her eyes so full of life, focused intensely on paperwork spread across her table. 

Luca smiled.

Stacey followed Luca’s eyes and like a child who’d read a romance novel for the first time, she shrieked as quietly as she could. 

Luca coughed. 

Kasey Jones lifted her eyes and the look on her face grew warm. She smiled. It was the first time Stacey saw her boss smile genuinely at the opposite gender.

Instructed by none but her wits and endless hours spent on romance web novels, Stacey saw herself out while mumbling the song ‘It’s raining men.’

“Hi.” Kasey said shyly as she stood up and walked towards Luca, unsure if to go for a hug or a handshake.

Luca’s eye strolled over the white sleeved A-shaped gown Kasey wore. Brown sandal heels stomped the rugged office without a sound. Her hair was clipped roughly at her nape. Rogue strands of fine curl kissed her cheeks. She looked like an angel. 

Luca took in a deep breath and spread his arms apart, when Kasey was a step away. Surprised but satisfied, Kasey let herself go at his embrace. He was warm.

“Hi.” Luca said after their second-long hug ended. Though they both wished it’d lasted longer.

“I didn’t think you’d show up.” Kasey said.

“Well, I always keep my word. That and I wanted to see you.” Luca tousled his hair gently. Kasey could tell by now that he was shy or confused whenever he did that. She thought him cute.

“You wanted to see me? Why?” Kasey teased.

“Well, you asked me to come see you.” Luca said to Kasey’s disappointment.

“Oh.”

“That and…I missed you. I guess.” Luca said in what should have been a whisper.

“Oh.” Kasey’s eyes grew wide with excitement again. She blushed. 

There was a tense, yet awkward moment of silence. Luca broke the calm by a cough.

“So…your employees. They’re very…”

“Obnoxious, nosy, bubbly and sometimes annoying.” Kasey said with a smile. Luca laughed.

“I would’ve said those words were harsh but they’re so true.” Luca said.

“Yeah. They do get on my last nerve sometimes, but their uniqueness is what makes me love them. A lot of other bosses would fire them for their free-willed attitudes, but I’d rather create a work space, where my employees don’t feel like life’s stepping on their necks. The world’s a jungle and these days even undergrad kids are frightened at the thought of life after college. Kids who’re already employed look like zombies with nothing but work ethics and courses crammed up in their brains. It’s so sad to see. I believe with a welcoming work environment, employees would give their all and manifest the best out of passion, not compulsion.” 

Kasey said as she stared out the window doors in her office. The sun rose with a beautiful ambiance and so did her voice as she spoke full of confidence and hope.

Luca’s heart skipped a beat.

Kasey spun around, her eyes met Luca’s “Of course, it’s important that the employees know when not to cross the line. There should be safe spaces, open-mindedness and acceptance to all rights and opinions, but work etiquette and manners should still be maintained in the office.”

“Spoken like a queen.” Luca smiled.

“It’s too early for flattery, good sir.”

“Well it’s not flattery if it’s an honest opinion.” Luca walked closer to Kasey, until her eyes could trace every feature on his face. Her hands itched to touch his face, but she kept her cool, for the sake of her heart that thumped loudly.

“Would you like a cup of coffee?” Kasey asked as she walked to her desk.

“No. I’m fine.” Luca said. His eyes scaled the walls of Kasey’s office. 

“Not a single art piece.” Luca thought. 

“So, I noticed the walls of your office are rather…”

“Boring.” Kasey said.

“You said so Madame.”

“Well your eyes said it first.” Kasey laughed.

“It’s just…you showed interest in my art pieces, I thought you’d have at least one work of art in your office.” Luca said.

“To tell you the truth, I’m not as enthusiastic about art as you think. I guess it’s something my heart warmed up to recently. But I do have an art piece back home. It’s actually the first and only art work I’ve ever owned.” 

“Is that so? And how does this work of art look like?  Maybe it’s something I’ve come across before.” Luca’s once hunched shoulders, stood high.

“It’s hard to describe. No, it’s easy to describe. It’s painting of a white rose, emerging from the fallen petals of a red rose.” Kasey paused.

“I know it sounds so simple, but there was something about it that touched my heart.”

Luca smiled.

“Great! Now I sound crazy.” Kasey threw her hands in the air.

“You’re not crazy Kasey. Finding amazement in something others would consider simple, doesn’t make you crazy. It makes you unique. Accepting that uniqueness, is what makes you special.” 

“Spoken like a true artist.” Kasey said. Luca gave a playful bow.

“I’m most honored your grace.” They both laughed.

“Speaking of the art you bought, I’ve got to ask…” Luca’s words were interrupted by a loud knock on the door.

“I’m so sorry. That must be Stace. Come in!”

With a sheepish smile, Stacey walked into her boss’ office and stood still, forgetting herself in the midst of what she considered a thrilling romance story. 

“Lucky.” Stacey whispered. Her eyes were stuck on Luca’s.

“Stacey Baker, speak!” Kasey caught hold of her secretary who was lost in a teenage girl’s day dream. 

“Oh my…I’m so sorry! Mrs. Ophelia, called and she’s ready for the interview. Considering your schedule for this week and the jobs packed for other editors this season, I think this might be our only chance to meet with her.” Stacey announced. 

“How much time do we need with her” Kasey asked.

“About an hour.”

“And Eddie’s paid a visit to the kids at the school?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Get the recorder from my table and a notepad.” 

“Done.” Stacey said proudly. Luca stared at both ladies in confusion. Work life seemed tiresome.

“Tell John to bring the car around. I don’t know my way around that area, nor do you. It’s work hours anyways, so he’s driving.” Kasey instructed Stacey, who ran out of the office like Jerry would at the sight of Tom.

Kasey walked to a coat hanger in her office and snatched a brown trench coat. She grabbed a few things from her desk and stuffed them in her handbag. 

“Come on, Luca.” Kasey called as she walked towards the door of her office.

“Where are we going?” Luca asked as he followed.

“Your first job.”

After half an hour riding through the streets of New York, Kasey Jones and her acquaintances found themselves in a world quite different from the one they knew. It was a borough. Kasey had only heard of the place due to her grandmother’s love for the Yankees. Kasey never thought she’d actually pay a visit to the home of her grandma’s favorite basketball team.

While they drove past old buildings, whose colors fought between tones of white and brown, rays of the winter’s sun gave brightness to legendary paintings sprayed on walls that were sure to fall after a good hit.

Kids ran around with balls of snow as they chased each other down creaky fire escapes attached to the sides of tall buildings half a foot apart. Teenagers exchanged cigarettes in dark alleys, while bullying stray cats. While some adults were dressed decently, many were covered from head to toe in old winter jackets, that did nothing to cover unshaven hair, blistered palms and blemished skin. 

Cops scouted the area in their cars, observant of nothing and everything. 

Stacey Baker buried her hands deep in the pockets of her padded jacket.

Kasey Jones took in deep breaths.

John, Kasey’s driver, struggled to keep a snot still in his left nostril.

Luca Brandon’s heart paced loudly and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead and palms.

“Of all places in New York. Why did it have to be here?” Brandon thought. 

“I think this is the place ma’am.” John announced after he pressed his feet against the car brakes, in front of a run-down bungalow, compressed between two tall buildings that looked barely a decade old.

“I just texted Mrs. Ophelia. We’re here.” Stacey said.

“All right. Let’s get down. You can take the car for a spin if you want John, or you can stay with us, your choice. But I doubt an interview would be of any interest to you.” Kasey told jolly fifty-year old John.

“I’ll leave the interview to you professionals. Be sure to give me a call, as soon as you’re done. Don’t worry though, I won’t tread too far.” John said and zoomed off after a friendly wave, like a father who’d dropped off his kids at school. 

A middle-aged woman with short blonde hair, opened the door of the building. Her round figure bounced as she ran to welcome the guests into her home.

“You must be Stacey and Kasey. Please make yourselves at home.” The woman said, as she pointed to an old couch padded in dust and a rocking chair half consumed by termites in a tiny living room. 

The ceiling was so low, one could reach out and swipe at the webs above. The corridors were dark and smelt like wet wood, while the rug on the floor smelt like peppermint. 

Kasey and Luca sat on the old couch, while Stacey zapped into the kitchen, with Mrs. Ophelia who’d offered to make tea.

“Are you okay?” Kasey asked. She saw Luca’s eyes dim with worry and she could hear his troubled breath. 

Luca did not respond. His eyes were fixed on the old building in front of him. His limbs quivered and puffs of winter’s smoke greeted the air about him when he exhaled. 

A distorted image of a beautiful brown skinned lady appeared before Luca’s eyes. The image faded quickly and he saw a scene he’d long forgotten.

A young boy hid under a bed in a cramped bedroom. The little lad shivered in fear, as adults yelled loudly. In a second, the legs of an adult male kicked the door to the bedroom open. The adult male dragged the thin legs of the boy child, whose vision was blurred by tears. The face of the white adult male seemed hazy. The boy could only make out a knife in the left hand of the adult male and green eyes. Stunning green eyes. 

A female screamed from a distance. 

The young lad stared at the broken door and tried to call for help but his lips were sealed by fear. 

The steps of the one who screamed grew closer, and he heard a voice call “Luca!”

In that moment, a tap on Luca’s shoulder drew his soul to reality and covered in cold sweat, he stared deeply into brown eyes. 

“Are you okay? I called you like three times.” Kasey asked with concern.

“I…I’m fine. I’ve just got a little headache.” Luca said, holding his head. It seemed like tiny devils pounded the left side of his skull loudly.

“We could reschedule if you’re not feeling well.”

“No. It’s fine, Kasey. I’m fine. Really. Why’re we here though?”

“Well, we’re here for an interview with an amazing woman who goes by the name, Mrs. Ophelia. She’s a widow who caters to seven kids alone, by making money off a design she made herself.” Kasey explained.

“Design?”

“Yeah. Since it’s the cold season, a lot of kids here don’t really have access to new jackets, muffins, scarfs or stuff like that. Even if they did it’s worn out from years of repetitive use or hand-me-downs from parents and siblings who can’t afford new clothing. Mrs. Ophelia was going through the same thing and she came up with a brilliant idea. With her knitting skills and old clothing, she makes unique, fashionable winter clothes for kids in South Bronx. She makes the clothes free for kids, but collects cheap change from adults. It started out with her own kids, then kids in her kids’ school, then kids in Hunts Point.” Kasey said with bright eyes.

“That’s amazing. And how’d you hear about her?” Luca asked, trying to distract himself from the ominous aura that eluded the familiar walls of the old building.

“One of my employees, Eddie heard about her from his niece, who goes to the same school with her kids. He told me about it and I told him to pay her a visit. I’m planning to get her story on the cover of Sizeable this month. It’d be great to know that there are actual saints who help others out without showing off their wealth to cameras and spotlights. She deserves recognition and a sponsorship for her work, which I plan to help with.” Kasey smiled.

Luca instinctively placed his gloved palms on Kasey’s cheeks. He looked at the old wallpaper on the building, ripped off at certain corners. Tears chocked him up. He looked at Kasey’s eyes again and patted her forehead with his cold lips. 

Confused Kasey blushed, but the clattering of kitchen utensils ended the moment. Luca turned away from Kasey. He stood up quickly.

“I’m sorry for that. I was just really touched by your kindness. You’re such an angel.” He turned back to her with a forced smile. 

“Oh. Are you leaving already? You’ll have to take the photos of the school kids and Mrs. Ophelia…” Stacey Baker barked with a tray of biscuits in her hands, as she walked into the tiny living room.

“He knows, Stace. I think he’s stepping out for some fresh air.” Kasey said.

Luca said nothing, but smiled and made his way to the front door of the old house.

Kasey gazed at him with worry. Something felt off.