After my mother’s death, When I sought to leave, my boss warned, “If you take leave, you’re fired.”

A Heartbreaking Loss and the Manager’s Ultimatum

Despite the challenges, I gradually managed to teach her the basics of our work, covering everything from detailed computer operations to understanding various types of documents. During a much-needed break, I found solace on the office rooftop.

I was sipping canned coffee and pondering my future when an unexpected call from an unknown number shattered the peace.

“Hello, is this Sarah? This is Central Hospital. Your mother was urgently brought in. She’s in a critical condition. Can you come immediately?”

The world around me seemed to pause. My thoughts jumbled as I rushed to leave a note on her desk about my sudden departure before hailing a taxi to the hospital. Upon arrival, a nurse led me to where my mother was resting.

Seeing her lying there, peaceful yet pale, my heart sank. The doctor explained she had collapsed at work and was brought in. Hoping for a miracle, I knew my mother had always had a weak heart, but there had been no recent signs of trouble.

The loss of my father had taken its toll on her, perhaps more than we realized. Overwhelmed with grief, I held my mother close, weeping for the time we would no longer have. After her passing, I mustered the strength to call my manager.

I requested my first ever paid leave for the funeral.

“I’m sorry for leaving suddenly today. My mother passed away. Could I take about a week off?”

Her response, cold and dismissive, left me speechless.

“I won’t approve any paid leave for you”.

In my ten years with the company, I had never asked for such a leave. Her refusal, especially at such a moment, pushed me to my limit.

“Are you sure?”

I asked, but she rambled on. I ended the call feeling more alone than ever. The funeral was a blur of emotions, but I kept busy finding solace in organizing the ceremony and expressing my gratitude to those who offered support.

My manager’s attempts to contact me went unanswered. Three weeks later, a call from the company president prompted me to return to the office. As I made my way to his office, co-workers expressed their condolences.

Their kindness was a small comfort in this difficult time.

“It’s Sarah. May I come in?”

I asked after knocking on the president’s door. He welcomed me, noting my absence.

“Heard you’ve been out of touch for 3 weeks. Doesn’t sound like you”.

I entered ready to explain the whirlwind of grief and bureaucracy that had kept me away, hoping for understanding and perhaps a resolution to the recent turmoil.