Bedtime Story | A New Day in a New Place

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A New Day in a New Place

Early in the morning, Vim the Indian man walked toward the tall, grey building that housed his new job. The streets of his new home were quiet, and the air was fresh. Vim felt a knot in his stomach thinking about the day ahead.

Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans walking to work, feeling anxious, quiet morning setting

Vim sat at his desk, glancing at the empty chairs around him. His colleagues would soon arrive, but he felt alone even in the midst of others. He sighed softly, missing his family back home.

Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans alone at the office, missing home

As the office began to buzz with activity, Dan and Diana chatted nearby. Vim overheard them, but their words were muffled by the echoes of his own thoughts. He kept his eyes on his computer screen.

Kiwi man, mohawk, lighter skin, high vis vest and jeans and Indian woman, long black hair, brown skin, stylish outfit chatting, Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans distracted

Patrick tapped Vim on the shoulder, offering a friendly smile, but Vim just nodded and returned to his work. Patrick's smile faded as he walked away, concerned.

Kiwi man, short brown hair, light skin, casual high vis and jeans attempts to engage with Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans

Kate, his new manager, entered the office. She observed Vim's quiet demeanor and made a note to talk to him later. She wanted all her team members to feel at home at work.

Kiwi woman, long black hair, tan skin, confident attire noticing Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans, caring manager

Lunchtime arrived, and Vim sat at the corner table alone with his meal. He picked at his food, thoughts of home keeping him from being hungry.

Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans eating alone, homesick

Kate approached Vim, inviting him to join the others. Vim hesitated but then followed her. He found himself at a table with Dan, Diana, and Patrick, all smiling at him.

Kiwi woman, long black hair, tan skin, confident attire inviting Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans to join others for lunch

The conversation began awkwardly, but soon Dan was sharing stories of his own struggles when he first started. Vim listened, surprised to find common ground.

Kiwi man, mohawk, lighter skin, high vis vest and jeans sharing his struggles with Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans

Diana talked about the festivals in India she loved, making Vim's eyes light up. He started sharing stories of his hometown, feeling a bit more at ease.

Indian woman, long black hair, brown skin, stylish outfit bonding with Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans over Indian festivals

Toward the end of the lunch break, Patrick pulled out a guitar. With a few chords, he brought laughter to the group. Vim found himself smiling genuinely for the first time that day.

Kiwi man, short brown hair, light skin, casual high vis and jeans playing the guitar, lifting spirits

After lunch, Vim felt lighter as he returned to his work. He began to reply to emails more quickly, and even joined in a little office joke.

Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans feeling better, engaging in work

As the sun began to set, Vim walked home with a small smile on his face. He didn't feel as lonely anymore. Today was hard, but tomorrow would be easier.

Indian man, short black hair, brown skin, wears polo and jeans walking home, feeling hopeful

Reflection Questions

How do you think Vim felt on his first day at the new job and why?
Why is it important for co-workers to support each other, like Dan and Diana did for Vim?
What can we learn from Patrick's action and its impact on Vim?

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