Downfall

Howard was still sad as he put away his belongings in his own office. Today is his last day as a CEO. Even though he may pray for all the saints, his father's decision to teach him to find his compassionate self will not change. He didn't think it would be able to blackmail him, because if he didn't agree and tried to run away, all his property would be held and he would have no career to return to.

The box with the black marker written on the top of the box caught his attention.

"BOX OF CONCERNS"

He was curious about the contents of the box so he opened it and exposed the folded papers, also written on sticky notes and crumpled paper.

"What is it? Garbage?" Howard's sarcastic question to himself. But he can already deduce what is written there.

He first wrote on crumpled paper.

‘Goodbye Monster Howie. You're ugly, as ugly as your SLI management! Guess who's good. We still have mass for your departure. Bye! '

The paper crumpled even more when he read it. There is no name of the writer but he is only sure of one thing so far, the writer is very angry, maybe if the storm is still on its highest signal number.

Only now did he feel nervous and hesitant about what to do. Maybe if he continued reading the letters in that concern box, he would have a heart attack. He can even put himself among artists who receive bash or hate comments on social media.

But his conscience urges him to continue reading.

He picked up the pink sticky note that was folded.

'Thank you for leaving us Sir Howard, you will be missed.'

He was even more annoyed by what he read with sarcasm.

He took a deep breath before continuing.

'Sir, do you remember when you embarrassed our team just because of a small problem that could be solved? You blamed us for being wrong but the truth is, you got the approval for what we will do. So, you're the culprit! You are pathetic Sir, you do not know how to accept mistakes. You want us to be part of your team but shouldn't the team have a leader? If you're not a leader, you're a boss! Your opinion is the only thing we followed! If I just didn’t have a sick mother, I would have resigned in case I couldn’t work anymore. So, wherever you go, may the karma be with you. God bless. Working with you is like pushing myself to hell. '

He could not determine who had written that sentimental letter because he had been scolded so much and could not count on his finger. That letter intensified his heartbeat not because of annoyance but because of something that motivates him to feel even the slightest sympathy for the people he has accused of displaced aggression.

His knees weakened at the thought. It has been three years since his father inherited the position of CEO of SLI. He was only 23 that time, never experienced nightlife and hanging out with his batchmates because he was immediately stressed by the huge responsibility of the position he held. Even his girlfriend Tanya, he neglected so their relationship has deteriorated. Bringing back to his mind the past, he admitted it was difficult to be CEO but back then, he was able to communicate calmly, when there were errors at work, he could handle it. And as he takes on that position, he is consumed by stress and no longer feels enjoyment in what he is doing. He was not even aware of the magnitude of what he had changed, especially in his behavior.

He seemed convinced that the career she was holding was not for him. Maybe so, his father was right.

'Am I really that bad for everyone to hate?' 

In fairness, he was able to read all the hate notes in the box. He wanted to torture the writers but sadly, he no longer had the authority. Like the king, he is now experiencing his own downfall.

***

Before the flight to the province of Trias, Howard even had an intensive conversation with his father. This allowed him on one condition, he had to be one of the volunteers to help those affected by the war. He added that he had only been in that area for a month and someone would evaluate him whether he passed or not.

His father had a strong desire to teach him a lesson. It is furious at many things, including Howie’s removal of his driver, Mang Elmer.

“If you frown, it's like you're going to be hanged,” joked his cousin Jared who was with him at the airport to take him to his destination.

“I don't deserve this Jared! I can't accept dad's punishment like this!" Howard growled. “I want to escape but when I do that, I can't go back to SLI and he'll keep freezing my bank accounts! Damn!”

"You wouldn't have experienced that if you had been kind the first time," Jared said so Howard's head got even hotter at that moment.

“Your dad won't let you down. He knows what's best for you. You know, you can find someone to replace Tanya while doing something good there,” Jarred encourages Howard.

“I have no plans to have a new girlfriend. All I want is to end this crap Jared.” 

His cousin clapped and then shook his head. “That will only end when you behave in the province.”

"You're really annoying! What you're saying doesn't help!” Howard turned annoyed.

“Why? I'm just telling the truth. You have to behave and once you are there, you no longer have the authority as you used to in SLI.” 

Jared slapped him with the bitter truth. Hopefully, he can cope with new life in that area.