Illusion

Every morning, on my way to work, I carry an imagined armful of white roses. I open the door, say loudly - Good morning! - and in my mind I present one flower to each person. The day can begin. Outrageous, Jānis is late again! And I have no roses left... I cast him one stern glance. I know he feels it. Oh well, the main thing is not to get angry - tomorrow I must be more careful and bring one more rose.

The next day. Good morning! - In my mind I make my way round all the office desks and present each person with a white rose. At lunchtime, running past someone's desk to the kitchenette for yet another coffee dose, I notice my colleague has tossed my rose aside onto the windowsill, where, under the influence of the hot air blowing from the air conditioner, it looks completely done for. Irritation stirs in me again - I was only trying to be kind... Never mind, tomorrow I must give this colleague two roses; perhaps she'll at least manage to put the second one in a vase.

Click, click, my little boot heels echo in the empty corridor. Good morning! - I give each person one rose in my thoughts, some two, I look attentively into faces. All is well, we're working, everything is going our way! The phone rings, a conversation with a client, a successful deal. Today is my lucky day! I really should also find time to call and find out what's expected in signing the contract with yesterday's client. I raise my eyes... but there is not a single white rose left in the office.