Defeated


Last Wednesday, due to a toothache, I called in sick at school.  However, after having some of my teeth filled, the dentist declared that I was alright and issued me a three-hour time off slip. Having no choice,  I reported for duty at school but the senior assistant was not happy to see me. In fact, she has never liked me.  She had been the head of the Language department at my school before being promoted to her present position. From her point of view, I am an inefficient teacher whose English proficiency is hopeless.

' Mr. Lo, ' said the senior assistant. 'your today's presence is ineffective as I have already marked you absent online.'  

'What should I do?' I asked innocently.
'Return home straight.'

I sighed and did what she bid me, totally unaware of the ensuing tempest.

The next day, as soon as I clocked in at school, I was shocked to receive a message from the senior assistant, a warning to the effect that if I failed to support my absence with a sick leave, my pay would be deducted. Filled with disbelief, I rushed into the senior assistant's office and asked her to explain what was happening.

'You did not tell me what had exactly happened,' was the senior assistant''s reason.
'That means no trouble would befall me if I chose to stay at school?'
''Yes, precisely,' said the senior assistant, matter-of-factly.

I was angry beyond the capacity of words. But there was nothing I could do.  The three-hour time off slip could not vouch for my absence at all. 

The more I tried to reason with her, the more she twisted what I was saying.  At the end, I gave up.

Why did the senior assistant do that to me? Was she trying to toy me around?


Comments

Ann said…
The politics at work can be endless, exhausting and debilitating at times. Do not let it defeat your strong human spirit. Right after I wrote this, I notice the title of your blog is "Defeated". What an ironical coincidence. If you have done your best, God will do the rest to help everyone. Have faith.
July 6, 2016 at 11:22 PM
suituapui said…
My senior assistant did not like me either...and we retired together, same farewell ceremony in the school. Tsk! Tsk! Well, she fell ill soon after, lung cancer which was a surprise for someone who would not eat anything and everything, did not smoke and exercised every day - died already, may she rest in peace!
July 10, 2016 at 4:44 PM
Ann said…
She sounds like a health freak to me.
October 4, 2017 at 5:24 PM
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