The Empty Desk

On my first day, my desk was empty. Just a grey computer and a chair. The manager showed me my schedule and told me my salary. Then she left, and I sat down alone.

My department is on the fourth floor. Twenty people, but I don't know them yet. They're all working, typing, talking on the phone. I'm still learning their names.

I've put a few things on my desk now. A small plant. A photo of my dog. A blue cup for my coffee. Every day I add one more thing.

A colleague stopped by this morning. “Nice plant,” he said. “You're making it home.”

He's right. The desk isn't empty anymore. It's becoming mine, slowly.

I miss my old job and my old friends. But I'm building something here too, one small thing at a time. Tomorrow I'll bring a second photo.