【明報專訊】This week we will discuss how you can write a great short story. Our tutor is British Council teacher Simon Overton.
■Student's contribution
Estella was sobbing when she left the interview room. She was heartbroken by the scolding of the interview panel. She had worked for over 20 years in the government. This was the first time she applied for a promotion. However, she had egg on her face during the whole interview. "Why do you want a promotion? Why are you so greedy and not satisfied with what you already have?" The chairman groaned. "There is only one or two pay points' difference." Estella explained that there was actually a seven pay points' jump and the chairman lost his temper. "Maybe I'll call you the "Queen of the Department" and you'll be happy." There was not even one job-related question. Estella did not know what to do. She rushed out of the room.
The next morning Estella went to work as usual, but every colleague on that floor was staring her wherever she went. Some even whispered behind her back. A colleague asked her, "Why did you say those things at the interview? You're selfish to betray us in return for a promotion..." Estella had never told anyone about the interview. Her face became red as she heard her colleagues make up the details of the interview.
Estella went to the top of the building and cried out loud. She heard a voice saying, "Jump now. There is no way out as you're too old to find another job now... They will continue to laugh at you..."
Estella's body was found on top of a vehicle outside the building. Her blood smeared (弄髒) across the windscreen and shocked passengers inside the car. Inside the office, people continued to gossip about the ghastly plunge, "She could not deal with the failure..." Only God knows the truth and the inhumane of the office bullying.
by Winnie Chiu
