Chapter nine

“Was I dreaming? Food, cook? Rest? How? Jason thought. He was totally confused. As he was looking around, trying to understand what was going on, Zoey urged him.

"You should rest, you can have the rest of the day to yourself." 

They both women helped Jason up and took him to his space. 

After a few minutes, Jason reached his room. He heard a knock on his door and told the person to come in.

It was the cook, Kelvin, with Jason’s food. Kelvin kept the food. Jason said, “Thanks, Kelvin.” Kelvin glanced at him with so much pity, he knew all that he had endured in the hands of the Garrison family. Jason had hurt himself from the fall, and he didn't think Mrs. Kim cared a lot. Now sending Kelvin to give him food was a total shocker for him.

Before leaving, Kelvin paused. Jason asked what had happened and why people who despised him were being kind suddenly. He was surprised and wanted to know what happened.

Kelvin explained, "Well, Jason, you had an accident, Mrs. Kim pushed you down the stairs. We all thought that you were going to die. Zoey felt sorry for you. Sometimes, when bad things happen, it makes others show kindness."

Jason nodded, not surprised. It was a usual thing for him. But what did surprise him was the sudden care from those who weren't usually nice.

After Kelvin left, Jason ate his food. He noticed a painkiller and took it. Immediately, he felt drowsy and drifted off to sleep.

In the morning…..

As Jason woke up from his peaceful sleep, he rubbed his eyes sleepily. The sound of a message beep interrupted him. He opened it with bleary eyes. It was a message from his boss, Mr. Stevenson. Jason quickly sat up to read it properly.

In the text, his boss clearly stated that if he didn't come to work today, he should consider himself jobless.

Jason thought to himself. It had taken him forever to get this job, and it was his only escape from the troubles of the garrison, even though he sometimes faced bullying at work. Losing this job would cause him so much pain. 

The Garrison family gave him food just because Jason gave them his salary. And if he loses it, it will be the end of him.

Feeling a little better after his rest, he got up and decided to quickly do his chores. By eight, he was ready for work.

He informed Mrs. Kim, who seemed hesitant to let him go, but she remembered her daughter’s words, so she allowed him to leave. 

Jason knocked on Mrs. Kim’s door. And she harshly responded. “Come in.” 

Jason came in and saw her sitting on her Queen-sized bed. She glared at him but immediately retraced her words and kept quiet.

"Mrs. Kim, I need to go to work today. I've done all my chores and I'm ready."

Mrs. Kim looked at Jason and said "But Jason, are you sure you're okay? Maybe you should rest some more."

Jason was shocked, why is Mrs.Kim nice to him? What is happening? Jason composed himself and replied to her. "I'll be fine, Ma’am. I can't afford to lose this job. Please let me go."

She rolled her eyes. "Alright, take care of yourself and don't talk to anyone, Jason make sure you come back early."

Jason nodded his head and mumbled, "Thank you, Mrs. Kim. I’ll come back early."

Jason went to work, bracing himself for the harsh treatment he often faced from his coworkers and boss. As soon as he entered his boss’s office, he could feel the judgmental stares in his eyes.

Throughout the day, Jason was assigned various tasks, from filing paperwork to running errands for his colleagues. Despite his best efforts, he was constantly belittled and criticized for his work by his superiors and co-workers alike.

He overheard one of his colleagues saying, "Jason always messes up," I don't even know why our boss is still keeping him around."

Despite the mistreatment, Jason kept his head down and focused on his job to the best of his ability.

While Jason was busy with one, another colleague of his gave him another job to do. "Jason, make sure you file those reports correctly this time. We can't afford any mistakes."

Jason nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Yes, I'll double-check everything, don't worry."

It didn't take long when Jason’s Supervisor shouted at him. "Jason, why are you taking so long to finish this task? Can't you do anything right?"

"I'm doing my best, sir. I'll try to speed up," he answered.

Despite how hectic the job was, Jason remained focused and finally, he was able to finish his job.

After a long day at work, Jason walked back home, unable to afford transportation. He had hoped that Mrs. Kim, Zoey, and Ella wouldn't make his situation worse by treating him badly.

When Jason arrived home, he was surprised to see Mr. Garrison's Jeep parked in the parking lot. He didn't want him to come back because he knew Mr. Garrison would make his life a living hell.

Feeling anxious, Jason cautiously entered the house, quietly making his way to his room. However, before he could escape unnoticed, Mr. Garrison stopped him and called him back to the living room.

"Jason! Jason!!." Mr. Garrison called. “How many times did I call? Where are you coming back from?” he asked, almost yelling.

Mrs. Walked in and sat behind her husband, Staring at Jason. 

“Had to work late, sir. Jason answered fearfully.