The office was brighter than Edgar expected. Not just the overhead lighting—though those were harsh and flickering in a way he’d already forgiven—but the general atmosphere. There was a low hum of conversation and keystrokes, the smell of brewed coffee, and the occasional laugh from somewhere behind the cubicles.
“Everyone, this is Edgar.” His new manager, Gwen, had the practiced enthusiasm of someone who had done this sort of thing before—smiling broadly, but not too long. “He’ll be supporting the Ops team. Let’s make him feel welcome.”
Edgar offered a small wave and a polite smile. “Really happy to be here,” he said.
A few people looked up and returned the gesture. One man raised a coffee cup in a mock toast. Edgar appreciated that. He didn’t need fanfare.
His desk was already set up—computer humming softly, a little welcome packet waiting for him with his name printed in clean, block letters. He slipped into the chair and took a moment to center himself, letting the sounds of the office wash over him.
It wasn’t long before a voice cut through the background noise. “Hey, new guy.”
He looked up.
A woman leaned over the low partition dividing their desks. She was probably around his age, with a casual confidence and an open face that suggested she smiled often. She didn’t look like someone who waited long to speak her mind.
“I’m Nicole. We’re grabbing lunch across the street today—kind of a standing thing. You should come. Meet the rest of the chaos crew.”
“Oh,” Edgar said, surprised but pleased. “Yeah. That sounds nice.”
He reached for his lunch bag to stow it away. Nicole’s eyes caught on the Tupperware as he zipped the bag shut.
“Wait,” she said, brow raised. “Was that a note? Like… a lunchbox note?”
Edgar flushed slightly. “Uh. Yeah. My mom packed me something. First-day tradition, I guess.” He handed her the note to examine.
Nicole grinned. “That’s adorable. The penmanship is impeccable; honestly this is so sweet. You guys must be really close.” She handed it back.
“Yeah,” Edgar said, relaxing into the familiar story. “I’m an only child, so it’s always been just the three of us. We’ve always been tight. My mom’s definitely the doting type.”
Nicole’s smile softened. “That’s really sweet. Honestly, I’m kinda jealous.”
Edgar shrugged modestly. “I lucked out.”
She lingered for a second longer, as if deciding whether to say more. “Alright, 12:15. Don’t stand us up.”
“I won’t,” Edgar said.
As she turned back to her desk, Edgar glanced down at his bag. The corner of the folded note peeked just above the lid.
He smiled.