The Life

1-1      Two friends

Two friends were living in the village. They had always been close.

Then graduated from the same high school and their houses were very close to each other.

One of them was Alex. He was friendly and his family was peaceful compared to other people.

Another man was Dani, he had been living with his father after his parents divorce. He had a girl friend, her name is Vargina. They met in high school.

After graduating high school Alex and Dani were seeking a job.

One day Alex suggested Dani apply for a job at the company so Dani did.

They applied for a shop manager position to manage and maintain a shop. The salary was low but the job security was good because the shops belong to the company, which had been running them since 10 years ago.

After a week the two friends got phone calls from the company manager, telling them that they had been hired and they started work next month.

The two friends were happy and they celebrated their happiness with Vargina. They have a good dinner and beer.

1-2      Jane

Dani and Alex started work on the first day of July.

The weather was hot but they were happy and excited. Their training isn't difficult. They could get used to the training.

They meet a woman who was also a new employee, like them. She was 1 year younger than them and she lived with her mother. Her name was Jane. Jane wasn't tall but she was kind and pretty especially when she smiles.

Soon they were good friends, as they usually take the same bus home after work.

Dani thinks of her as just a friend but day by day Alex can felt that he likes her more and more.

They were best friends in the company by the time they finished their training. Luckily, all of them were placed in the same store to work. They were happy because the store wasn't far from their homes.

They could take the same bus. They also had lots of free time compared to other employees.

Alex really likes it because he could attend school after work. Actually, he didn't want to give up studying.

1-3      A little difference goes a long way

Dani and Alex were skilled and manage the shop well, Jane made a mistake sometimes but the two guys always helped her.

The next year they went through some changes. First Alex started to attend technical school and his schedule changed. He now worked from 8am to 4pm so Dani and Jane had to work in the afternoon or until the night. They don't mind because Dani was Alex's friend and Jane didn't like to get up early.

Alex schedule was tight. He got up early because he prepared to open the shop, and after work he went to school. Usually he was tired but he wasn't absent if he didn't have any special reasons.

While Dani had a lot of free time, he only went to the shop late in the afternoon because his home was very close to it. He met his girl friend Varginia many times. They often fought but they usually made up and act like nothing happened.

Dani usually worked late, so he spent a lot of time with Jane. Each of them were interested each.

1-4      Lie and Jane

One or two days per week Alex worked with Dani, these usually were the days that Alex didn't go to school. They went home together after work, usually they sat at the back of the bus because their shop was located at the final stop. If Dani didn't have special plans he called his girl friend Vargina. Alex usually sleeps during Dani's call.

However, one day Alex realized that Dani was making a call to another woman. He didn't believe it at first, but soon he realized Dani was calling Jane. Alex felt something was strange.

Before long, Alex decided to check if his guess is right.

On Friday Dani made a phone call and Alex pretended to be a sleep. Alex pressed the call button on his phone. Yes, his guess was right. Jane's phone gived a busy signal. Alex despaired and he felt sad. He didn't know Dani was in a special relationship with the Jane.

When they got off the bus Alex suddenly asked Dani.

"who were you calling in the bus?"

Dani casually answered

"it was Varginai"

Since Alex found out the truth he had been thinking a lot.

At the end he thought that Dani should only date Varginia and he should date Jane. It would make everybody happy. He decided to express his feeling for Jane, so he screwed up his courage.

A few days later he sent her a message. It was a simple proposal.

"Jane, I have two tickets to a movie. The date is next week, I would like to go there with you"

Jane replied

"hi Alex unfortunately, I will be busy next week and if possible I want to go with Dani because we are doesn't do anything."

1-5      Alex is making decision

Time passes quickly. All of them were used to their situation. Dani was so busy because he worked and met Jane on weekdays. He also met Varginia on weekends. Alex stilll worked and studied hard. Sometimes he felt lonely, A winter had passed some changes happened.

Alex had graduated from technical school so he had more free time than before, Dani fought with Varginia and finally he was separated from her. Each of them were scarred by it but Dani soon recovered because of Jane.

Dani and Jane still refused to reveal their relationship to people including Alex. Alex felt sad but he didn't care about it for a long time. Before summer begins Alex had decided to go to a developed country. Alex submits his resignation.

Dani was surprised at first and he advised Alex to work more. However, Alex knew he was just saying that Alex was his confidant.

The last day of work, Alex went to the shop at the right time and finished at the same time as always. The only difference was that he found a letter which Jane left for Alex.

(Dear Alex

First of all, congratulations. Nobody has thought of going to a foreign country except you in our village. You are an exceptional man in our village. I wanted to spend more time with you but unfortunately I didn't. I hope you will succeed. I believe in you may god always be with you. Good luck.)

2-1      Alex opens his eyes through seeing the world

It had been 6months since he came to developed country. Alex felt more mature than before. Visibly there was no change. only his mentality changed. His life was very simple. He attended a language school in the morning and worked in the afternoon.

First, he found it hard to work because of the language barrier but he was used to it. Through school and job he could make many friends who are in similar situations.

While Alex was starting his new life Dani got a promotion. He was no longer a normal employee. He was the second store manager of the shop.

Of course Jane's help was crucial to getting the promotion. Jane was so happy with her situation and she dreamed of getting married to Dani soon even though they were young.

However, Dani didn't think about marriage. He made more money and had more free time than before but he was bored of everything.

The only one who appealed to his was Semi. Semi was a employee who entered the company as soon as she graduated from high school. She adorned dresses well but she wasn't kind. Ironically these points attracted Dani's attention.

2-2      Alex returns

Two years later, Alex decided to come back to his country. Now he could speak Foreign language naturally and he would graduate from ths school next week. He got some suggestion which company wanted hire him as a engineer.

However Alex had been thinking that he should go back and open his own business.

In the meantime, Dani was a shop manager it means he wasn't second manager anymore. He had already been engaged to Jane for a few months but he often met Semi after work, or on weekends. Jane had known for a while but she ignored it because she could not do anything. She still loved Dani a lot.

At the beginning of winter, Alex came back.

Dani and Jane went to the airport to meet him. Alex was happy to see them.

"Hello Alex welcome back"

"Hi Dani thank you for coming, I didn't expect you would."

"Hi Alex congratulations on coming back now you look like an foreigner, How was your life in foreign country?"

The night, they had a good time.

2-3      Dani and Semi

Alex started a new life as a sales manager of the company. Actually the vice president of the company knew that Alex came back so he sent Dani to see Alex to determine whether.

The level of Alex's position should be the same as Dani but Dani got more money because he worked harder.

Alex worked hard and studying abroad was very helpful for work. He grafted information technology to sales which can reduce the labor cost.

On friday Alex worked like any other normal day. At the end of the day he visited Dani's store to get some brochures.

The shop had no lights on and Alex thought that everybody had gone home therefore he opened the gate and went inside then he noticed that there was somebody inside the staff room. He went there and he heard somebody's conversation as soon as he got outside the door.

"Dani I told you many times, you must choose Jane or me the time is coming and I want you to listen now"

"what answer? I don't want to think about that and I don't want to talk with you, now I will go home"

Dani turns to the door, then Semi said

"I'm going to have your baby"

2-4      Dani's request

After a week Dani had lunch with Alex. From the day that Semi spoke to Dani until then, Dani had not met Semi to be exact he didn't talk to her and he didn't meet her also he tried to change her position to work with Alex as his staff member inside. Dani said

"Alex as you know I'm living with Jane and I'm happy now but a week ago I knew that one of my staff Semi is going to have my baby. Of course it is my mistake. However I don't want to break up my life with Jane and her peace, so please can you help me?"

Alex was just listing and looked at him

"Okey, How can I help you?"

"It is easy, next month we have a manager meeting, then you tell me that you need one more staff member for the account, after that I will send her to you. Probably you blame me but think about Jane. In the past you liked her and you don't want she wouldn't be happy?"

Alex didn't say anything and he went out, Dani shouted at him

"Please my friend, everything is for Jane."

2-5      Alex tries to innovate

Alex was thinking for a long time about the problem and he accepted everything to maintain peace. Even if he had to take care of Semi and her baby so other staff members regarded him as her boy friend. Alex didn't care about it and he concentrated on how to innovate service.

Before long he made a new management system operations with his American experience. It predicted ways how to reduce the cost of logistics, but it would follow unemployment. He presented his innovative chart in management meeting. Many executives were overwhelmed after listing to his presentation. It was clear that his new system increases the profit, but fire was inevitable.

They discussed it one week. At the end somebody suggested that employees who work at the job site join the meeting.

Last Friday afternoon big meeting took place in the company hall. The issue was, of course, Alex's new management system.

They divided into two parts. One part was employees representation and old executives. They opposed Alex's idea and Dani represented them.

Another part consisted of young executives and office works. Two representatives talked on the stage. Dani first said

"Respect our company works. We have been working sincerely since our company was built, and we have contributed to our society and our country, and we will continue. However, a few days ago I listened to a new logistics system and it will replace our jobs why should we change our system?"

most of people applauded. Alex said

"Dear company workers, we have done well but we should do much more because new logistics is inevitable situation. As you know our government concluded free trade agreement a few months ago. We must be prepared for it. If we do nothing, our company will lose competitive edge and consumers will turn away"

people were noisy. Dani replied

"Ok Mr Alex new trade agreement will be in place soon but I don't agree with your opinion particularly that we will lose our competitive edge. I think it is just your personal opinion and your new logistics system doesn't test so our obstacle is not free trade agreement but your new logistics system because your system will take our job."

People cheer Danis's presentation.

At the end they decided to vote. The result was clearly Alex's fail and Alex accepted the pressure to get out the company.

3-1      Alex restart

Alex got out the company and he didn't do anything. He was discouraged.

One day he went to church and prayed for God

"God why have you given me so many trials"

then a woman came to him. She was Virginia.

"Wow Alex it's you for a long time we don't see"

Alex remembered her.

"Nice to meet you! How are you?"

Virginia said

"Actually after I broke up with Dani I went to collage and now I work for my father's company."

They talked many times and Varginia was one of the few girls who knew Alex's story. They became close friends and Varginia suggested that he work for her father's company together.

Alex deserved work and next month he started a new life.

The company business had many fields but profit was not good. Alex soon got good position because of Varginia's recommendation and his talent would be brilliant.

First of all he economized business fields and applied his new running system. The result was great. The company's profit increased and waste cost was reduced. Also Alex got married to Varignia when he became vice president.

After free trade agreement began Alex's prediction was right.

3-2      Dani gets a several trial

3years after Alex and Dani talking, many things changed.

Imports of goods from abroad rushed their market and people were excited. The imports of goods were cheap and quality was same or better than their local products, while local company got a serious crisis.

Local company selling go down and executives didn't know what they do. They ran the company as an emergency situation. As the last resort they advertised that using home production keeps their local economy and jobs. For the first a few days it looked like consumers were going to agree their suggestion but it was temporary.

Down selling didn't move so company's finances were getting worse. Executives knew that the only method to solve this situation was lay off. But nobody said that because of labor union.

Finally the company proclaimed bankruptcy, same time labor union began a demonstration. Labor union required executives to run continue and government will help their company. The representative was Dani. The demonstration was going for one year. They were payng attention first time, but soon people forgot it.

3-3      Jane's Favor

One day Jane came to Alex's company. Alex was surprised at first. She didn't meet him without Dani before. They were sitting and Alex's secretary served coffee for them. Alex asked her

"Long time no see. How are you? I'm surprised you come to me"

"Yes, We didn't see for a long time. I'm not good these days actually"

"What's happing with you? I heard Dani gave up the demonstration camp."

"Yes Dani stopped it and I'm working in a semiconductor factory and I have a little favor to ask you"

"What is this?"

"These days I'm so unhappy because of Dani. He always drink and make me sad. I thought it wasn't long first but it already almost 1 year. He became alcoholic  and I can not stand anymore."

Alex said

"Okey Jane tell me what can I do for you?"

"I know one of your staff is Sami and she has a Dani's boy, I think Dani need something to motive to alive and children is important motive so I'm going to divorce therefore please persuade Semi to remake relationship Dani. This is the only way to be happy for Dani and me please."

3-4      Alex consider her opinion

Alex had been thinking since Jane came. Most of all last telling was impressive.

"I still want to be happy and enjoy life, when I met you and Dani, I knew I had choice and I chose Dani because he made me happy and he became my forever mate but I don't want to be with him to rest of my life. I knew you liked me when we were in same office. I'm sorry to reject to you but we are still friend aren't we? You don't want be friend become unhappy? So please do something I said"

Alex fell in deep thoughts. He didn't know what right to accept Jane's request or just ignore it. Jane was his first love and he thought in the past few days how long he had been looking forward to seeing her. But she was always cold. However, the day when Jane came she was so kind. She was still beautiful although she was old. Alex hoped she would be happier.

Alex also thought about Dani. Alex had to ignore it for Dani. Alex has been thinking that Dani is no longer his friend since he got out of the company.

Looking back at their relationships Dani often talked about morality but his behavior was always a result of his own benefit.

He said he was a hard worker, a local leader and a sad hero of this quickly changing world. But he never donated to others. Also he has talent to take advantage of other people to make his profit.

3-5      Alex doesn't decide anything

It had been already several weeks since Jane came.

Alex still didn't decide anything. He just wanted to avoid this problem. When Alex was getting out of the exit on the first floor. Alex felt that somebody was behind him. Alex turned around to him and the man said

"Hi Alex it's me. Dani"

Alex was a little bit embarrassed because he didn't expect Dani to come.

"Hello Dani Longtime no see. Let's move to quiet place to talk."

They moved to a Coffee shop. Dani looked poor and aged. His forehead had a lot of wrinkles. Dani said seriously in a low voice.

"Alex I know what Jane said when she met you but her words were not true. Jane is sick, to be exact she has cancer. Jane had been working for me until a few days ago. She fainted in the factory. She hided from me her illness. Her doctor said her cancer is rare and he cannot be sure that if she will be fine after surgery." Suddenly Dani fell on his knees.

"I'm so sorry, Alex that is all my fault but I have to save her, I didn't do anything for her."

Alex said to Dani

"Dani, Jane should receive medical treatment, anything what we did in the past, we need to find hospital to take her there. Don't worry about money I will pay for everything. This is only thing I can do."

Dani raised his head and said thank you many times and went somewhere.

After a month Alex had got a phone call from Dani. His voice was brighter than before.

3-6      Jane receives medical treatment

When Alex met Jane again it was in the hospital. Jane was a bald head but her smile was still like when they met for the first time.

Their conversation was comfortable and relax. Jane's surgery was scheduled for the next week and Alex paid for everything. After surgery Alex called Dani, his voice was weak and he said

"Alex I really appreciate you but the result was hopeless, her cancer cells were spread all over her body. There is nothing we can do."

Alex also sobbed after talk. The next day Alex got a phone call. surprisedly that was Jane. Jane told Alex directly

"Alex I don't have much time please come to see me and I want to see Dani's child. Please come together?" Alex answered

"Ok"

3-7      End

The day looked brighter than ever before. Jane was laying down on the bed. Dani was sleeping next to Jane. Jane stroked the Dani's head. Dani woke up and saw Jane.

"Good morning honey, do you want something to drink?"

"Yes, juice would be good."

"I will bring orange juice and some bread."

Then the door opened and Alex, Semi and her son came into the room. Dani was standing. Jane said kindly

"Welcome, Longtime no see Semi. Thank you Alex. Semi what is son's name?"

"His name is David, David that is Jane"

David moved to semi's back.

"David, please come to me I'm your aunt."

Semi came closer Jane with David. Alex came to Dani and said

"Everything was Jane's request and I couldn't refuse it."

Semi also came to Dani

"Dani I want to talk to you but not here."

Jane sent the ok sign to Dani. They went out the room.

"Aunt, why your head is bald, Are you sick?"

Jane answered

"Yes David, but remember body's sickness is visible to our eyes so it can be cured easily, but mind's sickness is invisible so we can't recognize it but suffering continues."

"How can we it?"

"It's simple, we recognize that mind is sick and cure it."

"However why many people don't do that?"

"Some people don't know they are sick and many people are afraid of the truth that their mind is sick because they think their mind is strong."

"If I become an adult I will be a man like fool?"

"You can change, David"

A nurse came into the room

"It's time to vaccinate"

The nurse took morphine to Jane. Alex and David were standing and looking at it. A few minutes later Jane felt happy and her eyes almost closed. She said

"Sorry David, Alex I'm a little bit tired, I need some sleep"

"Ok, Aunt have a nice sleep"

Jane fell a sleep deeply.