"The Letter"

Leo was lost in thought, staring at the screen in front of him without really seeing what it displayed. His mind was still circling around the past five years—how everything had changed while he remained stuck in the same place.

[But he didn't have time to dwell on it any longer. A familiar voice reached his ears, grumbling as usual.]

"Leo! Stop zoning out and focus on your work! If you keep this up, I'll have no choice but to fire you!"

The voice came from one of the cameras positioned beside his desk, and of course, it belonged to none other than Maurice—his overbearing manager, whose only joy in life seemed to be monitoring employees and ensuring they worked without a moment's rest.

Leo sighed before responding in a dull tone, "Yeah, yeah... Sorry, I'll focus more."

[But he could barely hide his frustration.]

"A promotion was just another problem."

His eyes drifted involuntarily toward the large glass walls that separated his department from the rest of the company. Through them, he could see the floor below—rows of employees hunched over their desks, working tirelessly. Their faces were weary, their bodies bent under the weight of relentless exhaustion.

["This place has become stricter... and more suffocating."]

On the opposite side, a few important clients stood behind the glass panels, observing the workers as if they were mere machines in a factory, rather than human beings with lives of their own.

Leo smirked bitterly.

["And me? I'm still just an ordinary employee at Goja Marat... No magical powers, no ambition, nothing special. Just a dull person living a dull routine."]

Then, amidst this feeling of stagnation, his grandfather's voice echoed in his mind, rising from the depths of his memory, as if time had dissolved and pulled him backward.

["You'll know, my boy... There will be no doubt in your heart when the time comes. When everything around you loses its shine, and you start searching for a meaning you can't seem to find—that's when you should open the envelope."]

A sharp pang of nostalgia struck his chest, and his gaze shifted toward the horizon beyond his window.

[Five years had passed... Five years since his grandfather had spoken those words, and since he had left this world.]

He whispered under his breath, "The envelope..."

And then, he remembered.

He remembered the envelope his grandfather had given him before his passing.

[How had he forgotten about it all this time?]

Moving quickly, he pulled open his desk drawer, his fingers rummaging through its contents until they finally brushed against an old, carefully sealed piece of paper. He took it out slowly, gazing at the handwriting that bore his name—his grandfather's ancient script.

He ran his fingers over it gently and smiled.

["Is this the right moment? Is this what Grandpa was talking about?"]

[Had his life truly lost its spark?]

Quietly, he tore open the seal and pulled out the letter. The handwriting was clear, though some parts were shaky, as if the old man had struggled to finish it.

------

**"My dear Leo,If you're reading this, then you must be in desperate need of change.

I once found myself in the same situation—losing sight of what truly mattered in life... the real connections with people and nature. So, I left everything behind and moved to where I truly belonged.

I have enclosed with this letter the deed to the place that was my pride and joy: Tutorial Farm.

It's located in Stardale Valley, on the southern coast. It's the perfect place to start your new life.

This was the greatest gift I ever had, and now, it belongs to you.

I know you'll honor the family name, my boy.

With love,Your Grandfather."**

------

Leo paused at the last line, his hands trembling slightly. But slowly, a smile spread across his face, as if something that had been dormant inside him had begun to awaken.

["Grandpa... you always had the most mysterious secrets."]

But as his eyes drifted downward, he noticed one final line, written in smaller letters—almost as if it were the answer to all his unspoken questions:

"P.S. If Louis is still alive, say hello to the old man for me, will you?"

Leo gripped the letter tightly, feeling as if the time had come. The light in his life had started to fade, and his grandfather's words echoed in his mind like a final message of guidance.

He stood up slowly, as if an invisible weight that had clouded his vision had been lifted. Holding the letter, he walked steadily toward Maurice's office.

[As he made his way through the office floor, the other employees remained absorbed in their work. The sound of keyboards clicking filled the space, and the dim lighting cast a gloomy atmosphere. No one noticed the newfound determination in his eyes—he was just another figure passing through the company.]

When he reached Maurice's door, he hesitated for a moment before knocking.

"Come in!"

Leo pushed open the door to find Maurice seated behind his desk, surrounded by screens and reports. The manager was engrossed in paperwork and didn't immediately look up.

"What is it, Leo?" he asked in a monotonous tone, without any real interest.

[Leo stood firmly, looking at the man who had controlled his professional future for years. Yet, he no longer felt the same intimidation as before.]

"I want to talk to you about my future in the company, Maurice," Leo said calmly.

Maurice raised an eyebrow, showing mild interest. "Oh? Don't tell me you've finally decided to start working hard?"

Leo smirked slightly. "Actually, it's quite the opposite… I'm here to submit my resignation."

[A brief silence followed before Maurice let out a short, unexpected laugh. He leaned back in his chair, studying Leo as if his words were nothing surprising.]

"Really? So, you've finally decided to leave?"

[Maurice slowly got up from his chair, pretending to be interested. But deep inside, he was nearly bursting with joy. Finally, Leo would be out of the picture, leaving him with an open path to Lilia without any interference. He barely held back a smile as he spoke in an even tone:]

"Honestly, I didn't think you had the guts to make such a move. I thought you'd be stuck here forever, complaining and whining."

Leo raised an eyebrow slightly but didn't seem affected. "You're not angry?"

[Maurice chuckled lightly and shrugged indifferently.]

"Angry? Why would I be? On the contrary, this is better for you… and for me as well."

What a fool. He actually thinks I'd regret losing him? No, this is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. Finally, this worthless obstacle is out of the way.

[He glanced sideways at Leo, then added with a hint of mockery:]

"Let's be honest, Leo… You were never the ideal employee. Maybe this is the right time for both of us to move on."

[Leo showed no reaction, as if he had heard nothing but an empty remark unworthy of a response. That was what irritated Maurice the most about him—his infuriating indifference, his lack of concern for anything.]

But that's fine… In the end, he's the one losing here.

[Before Maurice could continue, Aline entered the office, stopping abruptly at the conversation. She stared at Leo in surprise.]

"Wait… You're resigning?"

[Maurice glanced at her from the corner of his eye, then quickly regained his composed, indifferent demeanor.]

"Yes, and I think it's the best decision he's ever made in his life."

And the best decision in mine too.

[Leo didn't turn to face her directly. Instead, he pulled a paper from his pocket and placed it on the desk calmly.]

"There's no need to make a big deal out of it. It's just a decision."

[Maurice glanced at the paper in front of him, feeling a hidden thrill run through him. He was supposed to show some sympathy or regret, but he couldn't. There was simply nothing to regret.]

Lilia will be mine now… and that's all that matters.

[Aline gave Leo a skeptical look before speaking hesitantly:]

"Are you sure?"

"Completely," Leo replied in a flat tone.

[Maurice sat back in his chair, placing his elbows on the desk, trying hard not to grin too widely.]

"Alright then, hand me your official resignation, and I'll sign it immediately. But be careful—if you change your mind later, there won't be a spot for you here anymore."

Not just because he resigned… but because I will never allow him to return.

[Leo extended his hand, pushing the paper slightly toward Maurice.]

"That's not something I'm worried about."

[Aline watched him silently, as if trying to understand what was really going on. Then, in a quiet voice, she said:]

"I wish you the best, Leo."

[He gave her a brief sideways glance before nodding slightly.]

"Thanks."

[Leo's desk was simple, not cluttered with items, yet it carried the marks of the years he had spent there. As he gathered the few files he had, he paused for a moment, looking at the desk where he had spent countless hours—through the exhausting work, the late nights, and the moments he had stolen for laughter with his colleagues. Despite the fatigue and the challenges, he realized he had enjoyed his time here, even if he had never admitted it before.]

[He ran his fingers over the surface of the desk, remembering the nights he had stayed late, fixing mistakes, preparing presentations, discussing ideas. The work had never been easy, but he had made a place for himself here. He had made memories.]

But everything must come to an end.

[As he placed the last file into his bag, Lilia burst into the office, her breath uneven and her eyes frantic, as if she had dropped everything and run the moment she heard the news.]

"Leo!" she shouted, ignoring everything around her. "Is it true? Are you really leaving?"

Leo looked up at her, his eyes reflecting a mix of sorrow and acceptance.

"Yes, it's true."

Lilia couldn't hide the shock in her gaze. She didn't know what to say. A thousand questions flooded her mind, but her tongue failed to form even one.

[Jonathan, his senior colleague, and Aline walked in right behind her, both looking equally surprised.]

"What are you doing, Leo?" Jonathan asked seriously. "You've reached a level many can only dream of. Why are you resigning now?"

Aline exchanged glances with Lilia, trying to make sense of it all.

Leo sighed before speaking in a calm voice that carried an odd sense of strength.

"Because I've started to feel that I need another path… one that doesn't tie me down to just one thing. Life is bigger than this place, and I feel like there's something else waiting for me out there."

[Lilia held her breath for a moment, absorbing his words.]

"But…" she hesitated before whispering, barely audible, "You promised me you'd stay…"

There was a clear sadness in her voice. But it wasn't just about losing him as a colleague—it was something more, something she had never been able to admit.

Leo looked at her quietly, then slowly stepped closer. He raised a hand and gently patted her head, just as he always did when he wanted to comfort her.

"I know, and I'm sorry, Lilia," he said with a warm smile. "But I'm truly grateful to you… You've always taken care of me all these years."

Lilia felt something shatter inside her, but she couldn't find the words to say anything more. She simply nodded, her eyes filling with tears she stubbornly held back.

[Jonathan patted Leo's shoulder and let out a small laugh.]

"No matter where you go, I know you'll succeed. You have a strong spirit, man."

Aline smiled as well. "Your new life will be full of adventures, and I'm sure you'll shine just like you did here."

Leo felt warmth from their words and bowed slightly in gratitude.

"I'm thankful to all of you. You weren't just colleagues—you were family."

[Even though Lilia forced herself to smile at his words, her heart ached.]

"Alright… I'll support you too, Leo."

But inside, she told herself that she had never confessed her feelings to him, and now… she might have lost the chance forever.

[As Leo prepared to leave, employees began gathering at his office one by one. Some stood hesitantly by the door, unable to process that the day had finally come, while others walked up to him directly, their faces a mix of sadness and gratitude.]

"Leo, this place won't be the same without you," one of his colleagues said, attempting a smile that quickly faded.

"You were always the one who made long days more bearable," another added, crossing his arms as if trying to hide his emotions.

[Amidst the crowd, Jack, the department manager—a man rarely seen expressing emotions—stepped forward. He stood before Leo, searching for words, then finally extended his hand and said in a steady voice:]

"You were the heart of this team. We're going to miss you."

Leo hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand with a quiet smile.

"Thank you, Jack. I won't forget anything about this place."

[He glanced around at the faces surrounding him, realizing how much he had impacted these people—even if he hadn't felt it before. He hadn't expected a farewell like this, but now, seeing them all gathered for him, he understood that the years he spent here hadn't been meaningless.]

He waved one last time and said sincerely, "I'll always keep in touch with you all."

"Don't forget us, Leo!" Aline called out, waving enthusiastically, trying to keep her smile steady despite the moisture gathering in her eyes.

Jonathan chuckled lightly and added teasingly, "And if you ever need a place to come back to, we'll keep your desk warm."

Leo smiled, but this time, he didn't reply. He simply cast one final look at the office before stepping out, leaving behind a piece of his life.

[Leo had always been the diligent one—the person who kept this dull company alive. He wasn't just an employee; he was the pulse that kept it beating, the spirit that brightened everyone's days.]

[And now, as they watched him walk through the lobby towards the exit, it felt like something was being ripped away—something that would never quite be the same again.]

[A few employees stood near the entrance, whispering among themselves, as if trying to come to terms with the fact that the man who had been part of their daily lives no longer belonged to this place.]

"Do you guys remember when we were working on Project 'NEX'?" one of them said, watching Leo with a melancholic expression. "We were on the verge of collapsing from exhaustion, and then Leo suddenly walked in with a bag full of coffee and pastries and said, 'I don't want anyone dying in my company, or else I'll have to pay compensation to your families!'"

Some laughed at the memory, while another employee, fiddling with a small pendant in her hand, added, "Yeah, but then he stayed with us until midnight, helping us finish everything. He didn't have to… but he did."

She paused for a moment, then smiled sadly and said, "I don't think anyone else would have cared for us like that."

[A different employee sighed, crossing his arms.]

"You know what I'll never forget? The day I was about to quit. I was completely drained—I even wrote my resignation. But Leo dragged me up to the rooftop and said, 'Take two days off, then decide. Never make big decisions when you're drowning in exhaustion.'"

[They all turned toward the large glass doors, where Leo had already disappeared into the crowded street.]

[There were so many other moments, too many to count.]

His laughter that broke the monotony of long meetings. His way of easing tension when the workload became unbearable. The way he supported anyone having a bad day. His words—despite his constant jokes—always carried weight when someone needed them.

And now that he was gone, they all felt the void stretching through the office.

[Suddenly, the company's intercom crackled to life, cutting through their conversations.]

"Alright, that's enough of this emotional gathering! Everyone, back to work immediately!"

[It was the voice of Maurice, their strict boss, who never missed an opportunity to impose order.]

One employee sighed dramatically and muttered as he walked back to his desk, "Leo's departure curse is already upon us."

Another chuckled dryly. "Yeah, and now there's no one to shield us from Maurice's killer mood."

[As the group slowly scattered back to their workstations, Lilia remained standing for a moment longer, her gaze fixed on the glass doors where Leo had walked out just minutes ago.]

[Deep inside, a quiet but unwavering voice rose within her.]

"I'll see him again."