It was morning at the head office, and the service corridor was still quiet when Damian stopped in front of the HR room. He straightened his blue uniform—there was a small Office Support label on the left pocket—then took a deep breath. Today he would receive his salary.

Jamshon, the HR officer, greeted him warmly. "Congratulations, Damian. Here are your pay slip and ATM payroll card."

Damian smiled stiffly. “Yes. Thank you.”

“Clean work, neat reports—the cleaning supervisor is pleased,” Jamshon said. “Keep up the pace, and you could get a raise soon.”

Damian signed the receipt, then left. In the corridor, he encountered Tamara carrying a stack of mood...