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\nFor illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n
A quiet Thanksgiving takes an unexpected turn for Emma when she decides to volunteer at a local shelter. Amid the bustling crowd of helpers, she spots a familiar face\u2014someone she never expected to see there. As the day unfolds, her assumptions are challenged in ways she couldn\u2019t have imagined.<\/p>\n
Emma sat at her desk, her eyes glued to the computer screen as she wrestled with the baffling new software. The program seemed determined to outwit her, throwing up error messages and refusing to follow any logic. Her frustration bubbled over.<\/p>\n
\nFor illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n
She glanced up and saw Tom sitting across from her, typing away effortlessly.<\/p>\n
Of course, he\u2019d already mastered it. Yet, instead of admiration, Emma felt her blood boil.<\/p>\n
He was the most selfish, self-centered, and insufferable person she\u2019d ever known. She clenched her jaw, remembering all the times his mistakes had unfairly been pinned on her.<\/p>\n
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\nFor illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n
After another thirty minutes of struggling, Emma pushed her chair back and glared across the desk. \u201cTom, I need your help with this program,\u201d she said, her jaw tight with annoyance.<\/p>\n
Tom didn\u2019t blink. He stared at his screen as if she hadn\u2019t spoken.<\/p>\n
Emma leaned forward. \u201cTom!\u201d she said again, louder this time.<\/p>\n
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\nFor illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n
He finally looked up, smirking. \u201cOh, darling. I didn\u2019t even notice you there,\u201d he said, his tone dripping with mock sweetness.<\/p>\n
Emma clenched her fists under the desk. \u201cI need your help with this program,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDidn\u2019t you once say you\u2019d never need my help?\u201d Tom asked, leaning back in his chair and grinning.<\/p>\n
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\nFor illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n
\u201cWill you just help me?\u201d Emma asked, her patience wearing thin.<\/p>\n
Tom tilted his head as if considering it. \u201cMaybe if you say the magic word.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma glared. \u201cNow.\u201d<\/p>\n
He cupped his ear. \u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nFor illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease,\u201d Emma said through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n
Tom\u2019s grin widened. \u201cNow that\u2019s the spirit.\u201d He paused for effect, then added, \u201cAnd my answer is\u2026 no.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cWhat? Are you serious?\u201d she said, but Tom had already turned back to his computer.<\/p>\n
After an exhausting hour and a half, Emma finally managed to figure out the program. She let out a long breath of relief and noticed the clock.<\/p>\n
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\nFor illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n
The day was nearly over. Across the desk, Tom was already zipping up his bag, looking ready to bolt.<\/p>\n
Jeff strolled over, smiling. \u201cSo, what\u2019s the plan for tomorrow?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanksgiving. You know, a family holiday,\u201d Tom said with a grin. Emma glanced up, her brow furrowing in surprise. \u201cWhich is why I\u2019m planning to call up those twins I know. Should be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
There it is, Emma thought, rolling her eyes. Much more his style. Jeff burst into laughter, clapping Tom on the back.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about you, Emma?\u201d Jeff asked.<\/p>\n
Before she could answer, Tom jumped in. \u201cOh, Miss Goody Two-Shoes here is probably cooking a massive feast for ten people. Except it\u2019s just her and her boyfriend, because who else would bother showing up?\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma bristled. \u201cYou know what? Exactly. At least I have someone who cares about me. You\u2019ve got no one.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWrong,\u201d Tom said, smirking. \u201cThe twins seem pretty interested. I\u2019ll send you a picture.\u201d With that, he and Jeff walked out, leaving Emma alone.<\/p>\n
She sighed, shutting her laptop and gathering her things. She had lied earlier, and the truth stung.<\/p>\n
Her boyfriend was no longer in the picture. Her friends were happily married with their own families, and she couldn\u2019t bear to be the odd one out.<\/p>\n
Her family was miles away, and the idea of traveling alone felt unbearable.<\/p>\n
On Thanksgiving morning, she stared at her quiet apartment. She had no plans, but sitting at home all day wasn\u2019t an option.<\/p>\n
If she couldn\u2019t celebrate, she could at least make the day better for others. She grabbed her phone, searched online, and found a shelter nearby. Volunteering sounded like the perfect solution.<\/p>\n
After pulling on a sweater and tying her hair back, she headed out.<\/p>\n
When she arrived, the shelter was a whirlwind of activity. Volunteers moved quickly, unpacking boxes of food, chopping vegetables, and stirring large pots. Laughter and chatter filled the air, mixing with the clatter of dishes.<\/p>\n
Emma approached one of the men. \u201cHi, I\u2019m here to help today,\u201d she said, her voice hopeful.<\/p>\n
The man barely glanced at her. \u201cYou\u2019re not the only one, sweetheart. Everyone shows up on Thanksgiving to feel helpful,\u201d he said with a shrug. \u201cWe\u2019ve got more than enough people, so you might as well head home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma frowned. \u201cBut I\u2019m ready to work. Just give me something to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no work left. Everything\u2019s covered,\u201d he replied, waving her off as he walked away.<\/p>\n
She glanced around, unsure where to go next. That\u2019s when her eyes landed on a framed photo on the wall.<\/p>\n
Her breath caught as she read the caption: \u201cVolunteer of the Year.\u201d The smiling face in the photo was Tom!<\/p>\n
Her jaw dropped in disbelief. This had to be a joke. Before she could process it, she spotted him in the crowd, giving instructions. Her surprise deepened.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh! Emma!\u201d Tom called out, waving like they were old friends. He walked over, wearing an apron that looked slightly out of place on him. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026 came here\u2026 and\u2026 they said there\u2019s no work, but I\u2026 wanted to volunteer,\u201d Emma stammered, still trying to make sense of what she was seeing.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Sam!\u201d Tom called out to the man she\u2019d spoken to earlier. \u201cShe\u2019s with me. I\u2019ll find her something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam barely glanced up. \u201cDo what you want, just keep her out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom turned to Emma and motioned toward a bag of potatoes. \u201cYou can peel these. That should keep you busy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay\u2026\u201d Emma mumbled. Tom started to walk off, but she couldn\u2019t stop herself. \u201cWait! What are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom turned back. \u201cHelping people. Doing a good deed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou?\u201d Emma asked, still stunned.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, me,\u201d he said with a smile and walked away.<\/p>\n
Emma sat on a small stool, peeling the potatoes, her hands working automatically while her mind spun.<\/p>\n
Tom, a dedicated volunteer? That didn\u2019t add up. Something about this didn\u2019t feel right. She decided she needed answers.<\/p>\n
Setting the peeler down, she scanned the room until she spotted Tom talking to another volunteer.<\/p>\n
Emma positioned herself nearby, staying out of his line of sight. That\u2019s when she noticed it\u2014a slip of paper sticking out of his pocket.<\/p>\n
That paper might explain everything. Acting quickly, Emma walked past Tom and the girl, pretending to trip.<\/p>\n
She \u201caccidentally\u201d bumped into him, grabbing the paper with a quick swipe.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, sorry!\u201d she said. Tom barely noticed, already turning back to his conversation.<\/p>\n
Emma moved to a quiet corner, her hands trembling slightly as she unfolded the slip of paper. Her eyes scanned the words quickly, and there it was.<\/p>\n
A community service form, complete with Tom\u2019s name at the top. It detailed court-ordered hours he had to complete.<\/p>\n
A smile spread across Emma\u2019s face, filled with triumph and satisfaction. Of course, he wasn\u2019t here by choice. He was still the same selfish jerk she knew from work.<\/p>\n
Emma walked up to Tom, her grin wide as she waved the slip of paper in front of his face. \u201cI know why you\u2019re here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Tom\u2019s eyes widened, and for the first time, he looked genuinely rattled. \u201cWhere did you get that?\u201d he asked, his voice low.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes it matter?\u201d Emma replied. \u201cIt\u2019s proof you\u2019re not as good as you pretend to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom\u2019s expression hardened. He grabbed her arm and quickly led her toward the door, away from the bustling kitchen.<\/p>\n
Once outside, he turned to face her. \u201cDon\u2019t tell anyone about this. Only Sam knows,\u201d he said, his voice tinged with urgency.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did you do to get community service?\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s none of your business,\u201d Tom snapped.<\/p>\n
Emma raised an eyebrow. \u201cThen I might just tell everyone. Maybe I\u2019ll share it at the office too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom hesitated. \u201cPublic urination,\u201d he mumbled under his breath.<\/p>\n
Emma burst into laughter, doubling over as she tried to catch her breath. \u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom glared. \u201cJust don\u2019t tell anyone, okay? If people find out, I\u2019ll have to find another place to volunteer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma wiped her eyes, still chuckling. \u201cFine. I won\u2019t. It\u2019s enough knowing you\u2019re still a jerk.\u201d She turned to leave, but Tom\u2019s voice stopped her.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you\u2019re better? You\u2019re only here because you had no one to spend Thanksgiving with. Admit it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt least I\u2019m here by choice,\u201d Emma shot back.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re here because you\u2019re desperate. That\u2019s not a choice,\u201d Tom replied, shaking his head as he walked back inside.<\/p>\n
Emma stood outside, staring at the ground, her mind spinning. Tom\u2019s words had hit a nerve.<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t want to admit it, but he was right. If she had someone to spend Thanksgiving with, she wouldn\u2019t be here.<\/p>\n
Taking a deep breath, she walked back inside. She spotted Sam stacking boxes and approached him hesitantly. \u201cHey, can I ask you something?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam glanced up. \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs Tom really the best volunteer here?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
Sam nodded. \u201cYeah. He\u2019s been coming every week for years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor years?\u201d Emma repeated, her eyebrows rising. \u201cI thought he was here because of\u2026 well, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam laughed. \u201cOh, no. When Tom was a kid, he spent a lot of time in shelters. His mom was a single parent and couldn\u2019t always afford food. He\u2019s doing well now, but it wasn\u2019t always easy. He helps here because he remembers what it\u2019s like.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma blinked, surprised. \u201cI had no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t tell him I told you. He\u2019d be mad.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Sam walked away, Emma felt a pang of guilt. She hadn\u2019t known any of this. For the first time, she saw Tom in a different light. She even felt a little sorry for the boy he used to be.<\/p>\n
Sge walked up to the serving station where Tom was handing out plates of food. Without saying a word, she picked up a tray and started helping.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry,\u201d Emma said after a moment. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have lashed out at you earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom glanced at her briefly. \u201cYou talked to Sam, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma shrugged, not denying it. Tom smirked. \u201cDoesn\u2019t change anything. I\u2019m still not helping you at work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you always have to be such a jerk?\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI earned everything I have. No one handed me anything. You\u2019re smart enough to do the same,\u201d Tom replied, handing out another plate.<\/p>\n
Emma paused, surprised by his words. \u201cYou really think that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom didn\u2019t look at her but gave a small nod. \u201cIf you tell anyone, though, I\u2019ll deny it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
They both laughed, the tension between them easing as they worked side by side.<\/p>\n
Plate after plate, they handed out warm meals, offering cheerful \u201cHappy Thanksgivings\u201d to the smiling faces in line.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t the kind of holiday Emma had planned, but it felt unexpectedly fulfilling.<\/p>\n
She glanced at Tom, still surprised by the softer side she\u2019d seen. At least now, she had plenty of material to tease him about at work\u2014not that she ever would. Probably.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A quiet Thanksgiving takes an unexpected turn for Emma when she decides to volunteer at a local shelter. Amid the bustling crowd of helpers, she spots a familiar face\u2014someone she never expected to see there. As the day unfolds, her assumptions are challenged in ways she couldn\u2019t have imagined. Emma sat at her desk, her […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21906","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21906","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21906"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21906\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21913,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21906\/revisions\/21913"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21906"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}