Even though Martha Karlsson is not a morning person, the best part of her work is the mornings, specifically from 7:30 to 8:00 AM.

Like yesterday morning, Martha woke up this morning hoping… “Today is the day!” She prepared breakfast while singing her favorite song. She ate it up. She was extremely careful her make-up, blond hair, and company uniform looked perfect. She got to work. Her job as a receptionist makes her the first one at the firm. She is the face of the company, and Martha knows it. That’s why she checks her make-up, blond hair, and uniform in the mirror every now and then, when possible.

But, from 7:30 to 8:00 AM, her make-up, blond hair, uniform, and loving smile belong to one and only one person: Mr. Pérez, the CEO. Not because Mr. Pérez is the CEO, or has a Ph.D., or has a mansion, or has an expensive sports car, or is, according to her, the most handsome man in the huge building, but because he is a good person, ergo, the perfect husband for her, the one God created for her.

And Mr. Pérez has noticed Martha Karlsson, her loving smile, her perfect look, and her eyes, especially, Martha’s eyes. He thinks Martha Karlsson suits his life perfectly. Not because Martha is, according to him, the most beautiful woman in the huge building, or seeks excellence in every task she’s asked to do, or expresses herself properly and intelligently, or can contribute to conversations with a fine sense of humor, but because she is a good person, ergo, the perfect wife for him, the one God created for him.

Any minute, from 7:30 to 8:00 AM, Mr. Pérez arrives.

“Good morning, Martha!”

“Good morning, Mr. Pérez!”

That’s the dialogue both allow themselves to say every morning; they’re too shy to reveal their feelings.

However, a sudden desire took control of Martha… today is the day!

“Mr. Pérez…”

“Yes, Martha?”

“I just… wish… you… an excellent day, sir.”

“Thank you, Martha. Have a great day!”

Four eyes met… maybe tomorrow will be the day.

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    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    1 year ago

    A wonderful story, Henry, and very well written. I felt as though I was someone in the office, watching and waiting for the magic to finally happen. Tomorrow? I fear their shyness might hold them back a little longer  ? 

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    Henry, I like both your office romance and the way their likes for each other are parallel.

    Chris
    Chris(@chris)
    1 year ago

    Henry – Ahh – Your story really kept me guessing. When would finally arrive the day when Martha or Mr. Pérez will reveal their true feelings?

    Nice work, keep writing, and have a blessed day!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    You make me smile, Henry. A beautiful romance. I wish tomorrow is the day of feelings revelation. Can I expect for the part 2?

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Henry Vinicio Valerio Madriz
    1 year ago

    You’re always welcome, Henry.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    1 year ago

    Henry, I love your story! I got so excited when Martha called Mr Pérez back, but will have to wait for part 2  ?  I especially liked how you emphasized the care she took with how she appeared, by repeating the lines. I think the story flows really well. I enjoyed reading this.

    Heather Chrzanowski
    Heather Chrzanowski(@heather-chrzanowski)
    1 year ago

    What I enjoy most about this story is that these two romantic characters are drawn to each other because they know that each of them is a good person at heart …aside from all of the other tangible qualities they have. They are ear-marked for each other by destiny and in that special way that cannot be explained. Their shy natures really add to the tension and sweetness of this story. I… Read more »

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    I like the tensions held back in your story, Henry. It’s easy to feel related to both characters and wish for one of them to say something to break the ice. We have probably all been there, feeling uncertain if one’s feelings are returned or not. Since I am Swedish, I’m curious to know about your choice of name for the female protagonist. Karlsson is 100 % Swedish. Might there be a… Read more »

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    Other’s comments have said it all, Henry, an office romance that everyone wants to see come to fruition. I’m now imagining the office Christmas party when Martha and Mr Perez, intoxicated in more ways than one, throw caution to the wind when the mistletoe beckons! A really well-written, enjoyable read!

    Bella Minyo
    Bella Minyo(@bella-minyo)
    1 year ago

    I enjoyed that as the reader you got to see both characters feelings yet you were still able to capture that feeling of watching them from an outside perspective. A very cute read about workplace romance, Henry!

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