Chapter 8: The First Promotion

Recognition and Reward

It was Elsie's promotion morning like any other morning. She arrived at the oil company bright and early, uniform ironed and mind set. But when she arrived at the building, something was amiss. The receptionist smiled warmly at her, and some of her coworkers whispered as she passed by. Elsie's heart began to beat a little faster—something was in the air.

She was halfway through her morning work when Mrs. Okonkwo approached her, with a smile as unexpected as it was fleeting. "Elsie," she said, in a voice sweeter than normal. "Mr. Adeyemi wants to see you in his office."

Elsie's stomach churned with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She followed Mrs. Okonkwo to the executive wing, her mind racing with possibilities. When she entered Mr. Adeyemi's office, she was greeted by the sight of several managers seated around a table, their expressions serious but not unkind.

"Elsie," Mr. Adeyemi began, his voice formal but warm. "We've been observing your work for some time now. Your dedication, professionalism, and qualifications have not gone unnoticed. It's rare to find someone with your level of education and work ethic in a position like yours."

Elsie's heart pounded as she waited for him to continue.

"From today on," declared Mr. Adeyemi, "you are promoted to the position of clerk in the finance department. It is a major step forward, both financially and professionally. Congratulations."

Elsie's breath caught in her throat. She had fantasized about this day, but having it said to her made it real. "Thank you, sir," she said, trying to keep her voice steady with emotion. "I won't let you down."

Mr. Adeyemi smiled. "I know you won't," he said. "Welcome to the team."

Sending Money Home

In the evening, Elsie returned to Cynthia's apartment with a heart full of pride. She had already received her first check in her new job, and it was bigger than any check she had ever received in recent years. She immediately saved some portion of the money to send home to her father and children.

The next day, she went to the bank, clutching the envelope of cash in her hand. Completing the transfer form, her mind was filled with visions of her children—Emmanuel's firm face, Ada's tearful eyes, and even Emenike's cheerful smile. She saw their joy when they got the money, the tranquility it would bring to her father.

"Please deliver this to them in a hurry," she instructed the bank teller, her voice insistent.

The teller smiled sympathetically and nodded. "It will be there tomorrow," she reassured Elsie.

As she exited the bank, Elsie felt pride that she had not known for years. For the first time in years, she was able to provide for her family. She was not just managing to get by—she was building a future.

The Spotlight and Its Shadows

With her promotion, Elsie was no more seen everywhere in company. She wasn't a cleaner anymore; she was part of the finance department, working among some of the most influential people in the company. Her new position had a better pay, a good office, and a respect that she had never experienced before.

But the lime light did not come without its problems. There were some of her male colleagues who were supportive, providing wisdom and advice. Mr. Okafor, an old accountant, took her under his wing and showed her the ropes of the finance section. "You have a bright future, Elsie," he told her one afternoon. "Don't let anyone dull your light."

Others, however, had ulterior motives. Mr. Balogun, a manager in the logistics department, began to take an odd interest in her. He would come to her desk frequently, saying he was "helping" her with her work or inviting her to lunch. Elsie at first thought he was being kind, but his intentions were soon clear.

One day, after she'd left the office complex, Mr. Balogun cornered her in a corridor. "Elsie," he said, his voice too intimate. "You're doing a grand job. I think that we could make an excellent couple—both at work and otherwise. What do you think?"

Elsie's stomach churned, but she kept her expression neutral. "Thank you, sir," she said politely. "But I'm here to focus on my work. That's all."

Mr. Balogun's smile faltered, but he recovered it at once. "Think about it," he said, his tone light but firm. "I could make things very convenient for you."

Elsie nodded and turned and walked away, her heart pounding. She knew she had to be careful. The attention she was receiving wasn't always genuine, and she couldn't risk lowering her guard.

And in the break room, a group of male co-workers gathered, their conversation turning to Elsie.

"Did you see her at the finance meeting today?" one of them said, his tone admiring. "She's intelligent. Really knows her business."

"Yeah, but come on," another replied, his tone less charitable. "She didn't get that promotion on brains alone. A woman like that? She's got other ways of getting ahead."

The men laughed, but Elsie, having just entered the room, overheard the comment. Her face filled with indignation and shame, but she deliberately did not allow them to catch her in that state. She walked past them with head high, determination firmer than ever.

Staying Focused

Despite all the hurdles, Elsie remained committed to her goal. She knew that her redemption was not yet complete, and she could not afford to lose time over distractions—whether in the form of jealousy, rumormongering, or unwanted attention—that would delay her.

One evening, sitting in her small room at Cynthia's flat, she wrote a letter to her children. She told them of her promotion, of money she had sent home, and of her plans for their future.

"My darlings," she wrote, her handwriting even and strong. "Mama toils day and night to give you the life that is yours. I miss you every day, but I am sure this sacrifice will be worth it. Be good to Grandpa, and know that I love you more than anything in the world."

As she sealed the envelope, Elsie had a fresh feeling of resolve. She had come so far, but she understood that there was much more distance to cover. She would succeed over whatever adversity awaited her, and she would not stop until she had arrived at her dreams.

For her children, for her future, she would persevere.