We are thrilled to share another piece from one of our writers who submitted to the annual WGI Invite to Write Challenge! 

For this year, we asked our talented cohort to create a new piece on this prompt: Write a story where the end is also the beginning.

Next up, we will share M Sacko’s piece entitled, “The End is the Beginning.” Stay tuned, as we will continue sharing the submissions throughout the fall!

You can also check out the book M has published: Beemer’s Tale How a Shelter Rescue Became a Certified Therapy Dog

All the proceeds will be donated to Local Dog Shelters to help support and promote pet adoption!

The End is the Beginning

“Again!!! Really?” Mary shouted out loud as she looked up at the ceiling while shaking her arms over her head. 

She then looked down and stared at her computer moving her head back and forth and thought “I just can’t believe this is happening again! WTF! Why? Why?” 

Every Sunday Mary talks with her sister. The phone rang at 9AM. 

“Hi Barb – How are you?” 

“Good and you? How was your week?” 

“Well, I am like they say on Project Runway – One day you are In and one day you are Out!” 

“Oh no! Your job? What happened?” 

Mary continues to explain while pacing. “Again, it is budget cuts. By no fault of my own six times over the last decade it has been a series of getting laid off, my job ending, finding a new job, and then beginning all over again. I guess that is the life of being a contractor, but it is exhausting. Everyone keeps telling me “Oh – It will be a new beginning.” What they do not realize is how much stress, work, and effort it takes to start from scratch, learn everything new and prove yourself all over again!” Mary Sighs. 

“I totally understand. I am so sorry.” Barb replies sympathetically. “I would really prefer an employee position, but they are just so hard to find. As you know, since I am the sole income provider, I always have to accept the contracting opportunities that come up. I cannot afford to wait to see if an employee position would become available.” 

“Oh my, well I know it is not ideal but at least you can collect unemployment.” 

“Yeah, I know. I will have to do that. I just hope I can find something before it runs out since you can only collect for a short time with no extensions.” 

“I will pray you get something that will be good for you.” 

“Thanks. And Thanks for letting me vent. You know, every time I keep hoping it will be my last job before retirement.” 

“Yes, I know you do.” 

“I really loved each of my jobs. I even received compliments from my managers, the customers, and my peers in my group. I just cannot understand why it keeps happening.” 

“I don’t know either. It is definitely unfair.” 

“It is so crazy. The end always comes from a call from my manager on a Friday telling me when my last day would be. Sometimes it would even be that day! This time at least my boss gave me 2 weeks notice.” 

“That was really nice. I think he really appreciates you.” 

“Yes, he is great. Now the beginning is always the unknown; a cycle of applying to job after job and receiving rejection after rejection.” Mary sighs again. 

“I am really hoping you will find something soon.” 

“Me too. Well, I am determined. I always feel very grateful and blessed each time I find something. 

Hopefully, the next quote “beginning” will not end so quickly. So, tell me about your week.”