Edward Morales had dedicated his entire life to the company. From its humble beginnings to its rise in the industry, he had been there every step of the way. Even beyond retirement age, he continued to show up every day, offering his wisdom, work ethic, and unwavering loyalty. Colleagues admired him, often calling him the heart of the company.
But one day, everything changed.
An unexpected email arrived in Edward’s inbox: the company was undergoing restructuring, and his role had been eliminated. It didn’t make sense. How could someone so essential, so foundational, be let go so suddenly?
The reason soon became clear. Rick Benson, the company’s founder and Edward’s longtime friend, had recently stepped down, leaving the business in the hands of his grandson, Dan. Young, ambitious, and eager to modernize, Dan had a new vision—one that left little room for legacy employees. In a sweeping decision, several long-time team members, including Edward, were let go in the name of progress.
With a heavy heart, Edward packed up his things. The office that once felt like a second home was now just a building. Alone, and with his family far away, he struggled to adjust. Gardening, hobbies, and even thoughts of starting a small online project filled his days—but nothing replaced the sense of purpose he once had.
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