Chapter 11
No small talk. Just handed him a contract:
“Ms. Sterling said the foundation needs someone who gets what struggle looks like and can handle rough conditions. Long–term position at schools in rural Kenya. You’d handle supply runs, distribution, daily logistics. Room and board covered, plus basic pay. You
in 7
A simple work agreement sat in front of him.
“Nothing fancy, but it’s honest work. You’d be getting donated clothes, books, school supplies from our employees and community partners out to kids who need them. Health coverage included, two grand a month.”
Ryan looked at the paperwork. He knew exactly whose idea this was.
Hit him with this weird mix of feelings
Bitter, grateful, but mostly just… done. Like maybe he could actually make up for some of his shit.[]
Hands trembling, he signed his name
Ryan took a fifteen–hour flight, then bounced around in cargo trucks for hours until he finally reached the rural Kenyan school where he’d be working
The driver jumped out and hollered: “Principal Johnson! Supply guy’s here!”
Principal Johnson rushed out to greet them: “Thank you so much! You came all this way! Come in!”
“Mister, are those books in there?”
A little girl with pigtails asked shyly, voice barely above a whisper.
Ryan paused, looking at the hope shining in her eyes. His throat tightened. He managed a rough “Yeah.”
“Arnazing! Teacher Johnson said we’d get new books!”
The little girl clapped her hands, and the other kids started bouncing with excitement.[]
Pure joy lit up their dusty little faces.
As the company
Time flew by
rep, I personally visited all the schools we sponsored at year-end, bringing supplies and holiday gifts |
Sterling Industries new headquarters had its grand opening–massive event
I stood under the spotlights in a crisp white power suit, smoothly handling the media cameras and questions.[]
Belund mur,
huge screens showcased our latest product lines to impressed murmurs from the crowd
“Ms. Sterling, we heard Sunrise Foundation expanded to twenty more schools in Africa this year?”
A reporter asked.
I smiled and nodded. “That’s right. Making sure every child has access to books and basic dies is Sterling’s
the world.”
Sounds like Ryan’s doing solid work over there []
way of giving back to
After the ceremony, I’d just gotten back to my top–floor office when Amy rushed in, asking if I wanted to transfer Ryan back home.
I told her to follow standard protocol
Ryan declined the transfer and chose to stay in Kenya.
At year–end, a lavish wedding took place at the city’s most exclusive hotel.
The groom was a carefully chosen business partner–perfect match, successful young executive.
I walked down the aisle in a custom–designed dress, arm in arm with Dad, beaming with confidence.[]
The place was packed, congratulations echoing from every corner.
In the dazzling ballroom lights, my eyes casually swept across the far corner
There seemed to be a familiar figure there.[]
Standing far away, quietly watching for just a moment.
One glance, then he quickly turned and vanished into the brilliant lights
My smile never wavered, like it was just a passing breeze that didn’t matter.
I looked away, focusing on my husband–to–be standing beside me.[]
Now, my future was blazing bright, with no shadows left
Om
