A Joke Disguised as a Gift
A coworker I barely liked gave me a flashy gold necklace for my birthday. I wore it everywhere—until months later, I spotted the engraving:
“Office Joke.”
My stomach dropped. Turns out, a few coworkers had pitched in as a prank, giving it to someone they thought was “trying too hard.”
That someone was me. An intern, Rafi, laughed when he asked if I’d seen the back—thinking I was in on it. I laughed too… then cried alone in the bathroom for ten minutes.
Hiding from the Hurt
I stopped going to lunches, added fake calendar blocks, and avoided everyone.
“I said I was tired, but really, I was hiding.” I let their cruel joke shrink me. Even worse? I didn’t even like most of them. Yet I let their opinions define me.
The Turning Point
At a meeting, Curtis—the ringleader—mocked someone’s shoes. Without thinking, I snapped:
“Curtis, do you ever get tired of being the punchline guy? Or is it, like, your personality now?”
The room froze. Then people laughed—athim. That moment cracked the silence. “People like him thrive on our silence. It isthat deep when you’re the target.”
Reclaiming Power
I returned to myself—red lipstick, bold outfits, helping others when respected. One day, the necklace reappeared. Same chain, new engraving:
“Keep Shining.”
No note, but I suspected Rafi. I wore it again—not as a wound, but a reminder of growth. Later, Curtis apologized:
“I was a jerk. I thought being funny meant… whatever that was. I’m sorry.”
I replied, “I know.” It wasn’t forgiveness, just truth.
“The real gift wasn’t the necklace; it was the mirror it held up.” Now, I stand taller—and help others do the same.
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