Bridge Between Worlds: Change!

Elsa sat at her desk, her fingers resting on the smooth keys of her keyboard, but for once, she wasn’t typing. The office around her buzzed with its usual energy—phones ringing, keyboards clattering, hushed conversations blending into a symphony of productivity. It was a place she knew intimately, every corner and creak of the building wrapped up in the memories of her last five years here. She had started as an intern, wide-eyed and eager, and now she was about to leave as the newly promoted Director of Strategy.

Today was her last day in this role, and though she knew her promotion was a cause for celebration, Elsa found herself grappling with an unexpected wave of sadness. The transition felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, peering into the vast, unknown expanse before her while the ground beneath her feet trembled with the memories she would soon leave behind.

Workplace

Elsa's eyes scanned the office, lingering on the faces she had come to know so well. There was Mark, the gruff IT guy with a secret talent for making the best coffee in the building. Then, Sarah, whose desk was perpetually covered in sticky notes and who had become Elsa’s lunch buddy over the years. And Jake, who always had a sarcastic comment ready but was also the first to lend a hand when things got tough.

Elsa knew she would still see them, but it would be different. She’d no longer be a part of their daily rhythm, no longer privy to the small, intimate details of their workdays. She’d be stepping into a new world filled with different faces, new challenges, and a responsibility that both excited and terrified her.

The sound of an incoming email broke her reverie. It was from her soon-to-be boss, congratulating her again and reminding her of their meeting first thing Thursday morning. She smiled, a small thrill of excitement running through her. This was what she had worked for and dreamed of during those long days, hunched over her desk, pouring over reports and strategies.

Change

Elsa decided to take a moment for herself as the day drew to a close. She walked the familiar path through the office, touching the back of each chair as she passed. In the break room, she found the spot by the window where she had often sat, staring out at the city skyline as she brainstormed ideas or simply took a breather. She let herself linger, savoring the view one last time.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Sarah: “Drinks tonight to celebrate? Don’t think you can escape!” Elsa laughed softly, replying quickly “Wouldn’t miss it!” before slipping her phone back into her pocket.

She returned to her desk, feeling a little lighter, the weight of the day beginning to lift. Maybe it was okay to feel this way, she thought. Maybe it was okay to mourn what she was leaving behind while also looking forward to what lay ahead.

Walking out

Elsa took a deep breath. This was a bridge between worlds, she realized—between what she had accomplished and what she was about to achieve. The sadness she felt was a sign of how much this place had meant to her, and the excitement bubbling beneath it was a testament to her growth.

With one last look around the office, Elsa slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out, the door closing softly behind her. She wasn’t just leaving something behind—she was carrying it with her, every experience and relationship a part of her journey, fueling her for the road ahead.

A new sense of calm settled over her as she stepped into the elevator. Change was a part of life, and she was ready. Ready to embrace the sadness and excitement, mourn and celebrate, and evolve into the person she was becoming.

And as the elevator doors opened, Elsa smiled. This was her new beginning, and she was proud of the journey that had led her here.

by Elira Bregu