Chapter Text
by: @sheistolerable
Grisha Communications tower.
Fifth floor.
Friday, September 23rd, 2022.
1:24 am
Hello, thank you for calling Grisha Communications support. My name is Alina and I’m here to help you tonight. Can you please tell me who I’m talking to?
Alina Starkova never imagined she would be working at a call center. Never in her 23 years of life did she ever think she would be the voice on the other side of the phone when people called to complain about their internet connection.
Alas, this is what life has become for her. She is the friendly voice that assists the endless customers of Grisha Communications when they need help with their internet, phone service and cable.
When Mal suggested she worked at the same place as his pals Dubrov and Mikhail, Alina thought he was joking. Partly because she refused to work at the same place as those two, partly because she refused to give up on her degrees.
Saints, she had an education! Against all hope, she had managed to graduate from Ravka Community college. She had managed to major in art and minor in cartography.
So yeah, she completed her education, but it still landed her a place at Grisha Communications as a Tech Support Agent. She started as a phone agent only three months ago—after trying and failing to get a job with her degrees. Now she spends her nights at the graveyard shift, taking calls from 10pm to 8am, making 80 vlachki per hour and collecting bonuses left and right.
Even though it wasn’t what she wanted or planned, Alina had ended up as a call center agent. She was one of the friendliest and most capable people on the floor, and that, combined with her deep understanding of the product, landed her the coveted graveyard position in the first place. As a result Alina gets more money than most of her coworkers and leaves her with a great schedule that allows her to go to interviews during the day.
It could be worse, she often thinks.
Oh, hello! Sorry, I didn’t expect for anyone to pick up so fast. My name is Aleksander. How are you doing?
Alina blinks once, then twice.
There’s a customer on the other line. A male customer if the voice is any indication. His voice is deep and velvety, completely intoxicating and completely different from any voice she has ever heard.
And she’s heard plenty, alright? Before she started working the graveyard shift, she took five calls an hour for eight hours. The numbers spoke for themselves.
What makes her pause is not the voice, although it sends a shiver down her spine, but rather the question.
Did she hear correctly? She might need a Red Bull.
Anyway, she doesn’t get to answer because the most delicious voice she has ever heard speaks again.
Shit! Did I lose you already, Alina?
Right, she needs to answer.
Oh, Aleksander, I'm so sorry. Yes, I’m still here. I guess I'm a little shocked because you asked me how I’m doing.
That’s new—at least for the graveyard shift. During her previous morning shifts, Alina would get that question from older ladies who were incredibly nice; even if they had been waiting for over an hour to get assistance.
Alina’s customers during the graveyard shift were composed mainly of college students. Most of them were pissed because they needed the internet in order to submit their assignments. They typically treated her like she’s scum.
Aleksander is a welcomed change.
I’m alright. Thank you for asking. How about you?
I’m so sorry to hear that, Alina. I have been saying that we have been losing our manners and this confirms it. I guess. I’m thrilled to hear that you are alright. I’m okay myself, thank you for asking.
Alina smiles to herself. Old people are always so nice when on the phone. She’s forgotten about that. Unlike most of her short-tempered colleagues, who hated these types of calls, Alina enjoyed them thoroughly. She missed them when she changed shifts.
I’m glad to hear that, Aleksander. Now, how can I help you today?
Well, today I’m calling because I want to change my payment method. Can you help me with that?
She smiles again.
Yes, of course, I would be more than happy to assist you with that. In order to get started, can you please provide me with your account number?
There’s a moment in which the line goes quiet and now it’s Alina’s turn to wonder if she lost Aleksander.
And then, a chuckle.
I’m sorry, Alina. I don’t know my account number. My wife was in charge of this.
Alina listens and tries to keep her heart from breaking when the verbs he uses are in past tense.
Unfortunately this is not a rare call for her. Grisha Communications is incredibly popular with seniors, so this is not the first nor the last call of this type she will get.
She tries to sound peppy in an attempt to bring him some comfort at least.
Not a problem, Aleksander! If you provide me with your address, I should be able to retrieve your account.
Oh! Thank you so much, Alina. You are so very kind. Well, I live in…
Alina tries not to freak out when she hears he lives in an affluent neighborhood, the type she would often drive by and marvel at the houses there. The type of houses she would never be able to afford.
All set Aleksander! Can you please confirm your wife’s name? I just want to make sure I have the correct account.
Sure, the account should be under Luda Volkova.
He sounds so sad when he says her name. This time, Alina can’t keep her heart from breaking. She can only imagine the life they had together. She can only imagine having a love like that.
She died seven months ago, you know? I have been taking care of things slowly. I just thought that if I didn’t do these things then I could pretend she was still here.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Aleksander. Please know how sorry I am for your loss.
Thank you, Alina. That actually means a lot.
Alina stays quiet for a second, letting him compose himself. She can hear his heavy breathing on the other side and a quiet sob that brings tears to her eyes.
If only she could hug him, she would.
I canceled her credit card and forgot this was associated with her account. I didn’t even realize I had no internet until my nephew came to visit and complained. That’s why I want to change my payment method.
It’s okay, Aleksander. We can take all the time you need. I’m here to help you in any way I can.
This is the least she can do for a man who lost his wife and is now completely alone in the world.
I said this already, but I’m so grateful for your help, Alina. I really am. I hope they value you as an employee.
Alina smiles, because it means a lot to hear that. Even if sometimes—most times—her job sucks, these kinds of calls are the ones that make it all worthwhile.
Thank you, Aleksander. But it’s my absolute pleasure to help you. Now, do you have an old bill so we can validate your account and get this started?
It’s an easy process, one she has done infinite times already but it’s made enjoyable with Aleksander on the other line. Once he provides the four-digit pin code and they access his account, she’s able to change the payment method quickly.
She also spends a couple of minutes explaining when the due date is and what exactly is being charged on the bill.
By the time she’s saying the closing lines from the script, she finds herself not wanting to hang up the call.
…And remember we will be sending a survey to the email associated with the account where you can answer simple questions, including how likely you are to recommend Grisha Communications based on my assistance. If you could help me with that, I would greatly appreciate it!
Of course, Alina! Luda’s email is still active. I will check it and make sure to leave a glowing review. You definitely deserve it. They should have more people like you at these things. Please count on it.
Alina tries not to blush at his words. She also tries not to think too much of what he’s promising. Many people say the same thing and never follow through, but he has been so kind it’s enough for her.
Thank you so much, Aleksander! Is there anything else I can do for you?
Not at all, Alina. Thank you again for everything. Please take care and enjoy the rest of your night.
You too, Aleksander!
Two nights later, her supervisor congratulates her on her performance. When she looks at her surveys, she finds Aleksander’s review.
I’m so thankful for Alina’s help. She was kind and patient with me. She went above and beyond to make sure I got the help I wanted. I hope she gets a raise, she deserves it!
Grisha Communications tower.
Fifth floor.
Friday, September 23rd, 2022.
2:43 am
Aleksander calls again on Wednesday, four days after his first call.
Hello, thank you for calling Grisha Communications support. My name is Alina, and I’m here to help you tonight. With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?
Alina? Oh, what a pleasure indeed! It’s Aleksander. Remember me?
She has only had a repeat caller once in her time working as a phone agent. It’s so unlikely it’s almost impossible. The calls are randomly assigned, and there are hundreds of agents to assist the thousands of customers.
Even working the night shift, where the number of available agents decreases, this has never happened to her.
At least until now.
Oh, sorry. I guess this is very pretentious of me. You must get thousands of calls…
Aleksander! Of course I remember you. How are you doing?
You remember me? Oh, it makes me so happy to hear that. I’m doing well, thanks for asking. How about yourself?
She smiles almost immediately. There’s something about him she finds charming. She doesn’t know exactly how to describe it, but Aleksander seems to practically exude warmth, even through the phone.
I’m fine myself, thank you.
Did you get my review? I hope you did or at least your supervisor or manager did.
She chuckles. He sounds so eager and earnest—it’s endearing.
Yes, I did. Thank you so much.
Nothing to thank me for, Alina. It was a pleasure. I do hope they gave you a raise.
Well, they didn’t, but I did earn an Amazon gift card as a reward.
Oh, well, in that case, I hope you treat yourself. Don’t spend it on sensible things; splurge on something you want!
Alina smiles at his words. He seems like such a cute grandpa, one that spoils his kids and always has candy in his pockets. Alina can almost imagine him with gray hair, a cardigan and some reading glasses, surrounded by kids and defending them from their parents—his own children.
The kind of grandpa she wished she had. One that would give her bear hugs and tell her how pretty she was.
She hopes his grandkids value him.
Thank you for the suggestion, Aleksander. I promise you I will.
Now, how can I help you today?
Well. Today I just want to hear your opinion about something. I’ve been tackling more things my wife was in charge of, and I realize the only service we get from you is our internet.
That would be correct.
Our landline is from another provider, and our cable is from yet a different place, but in the bill you asked me to check, there was a little ad that said you also provide those services.
That’s also right.
I don’t know why Luda had three different providers, but I guess what I’m asking is if I could change it so I can get all three things from you guys. Is that possible?
Well, yes of course. We do have several packages; I can walk you through them.
Would you mind? I know I might be asking for a lot.
Alina laughs. Saints, he really is adorable.
No, Aleksander, I wouldn’t mind. That’s what I’m here for.
Alina walks him through the different offers they had, almost on autopilot. Even though she started as Tech Support, she was given a crash course in all the other departments when she switched to the night shift. She was taught pretty much everything so she could provide their customers with whatever they required without needing to transfer them and that included knowing everything about the Customer Service, Retention and Sales departments.
She used to have a script, but she hasn’t checked it out in months because she’s good and knows what she’s doing. Even when Aleksander asks questions, she’s able to provide him with an answer that’s enough to satisfy him.
Wow, I feel the need to applaud!
Well, I won’t stop you if you want to do it.
It’s meant to be a joke, but Aleksander claps, making her blush.
Thank the Saints he can’t see her.
Now, I know you said all that, but if I were to ask you what would you choose, which one would it be?
Alina feels a little taken aback. It’s not usual for people to ask her opinion. Not at work and definitely not outside of it. If anything, she’s used to people either talking over her or simply ignoring her.
In college, her teachers paid very little attention to the quiet girl who sat in the far back and rarely raised her hand. Although she impressed them with the quality of her assignments, Alina knew she wasn’t the type of person who made a lasting impact on her professors or peers—at least not face-to-face.
And though Aleksander is certainly not the average customer and his two calls have been pleasant enough and quite memorable, Alina needs to remember he’s only paying attention because she’s the so-called expert, and this is her job.
Sure, all out of the ordinary, but also the bare minimum. Nothing to be excited about.
Well, that depends on your needs. There are people who use cable a lot and those who don’t use the landline at all. There are also people who solely rely on the internet.
Aleksander laughs. It’s a beautiful thing, to hear him laugh. She wonders if he does that a lot lately.
I’m guessing you’re one of those people.
That would be correct.
She doesn’t have the heart to tell him landlines are quickly becoming an endangered species and cable is not very far behind it. With the internet being practically a necessity, she doesn’t see the need for the other two.
However, Alina imagines their circumstances are very different. She only has her phone, and a tablet, given to her by Mal when he purchased a newer model for himself. During her time in college, she would complete her assignments on the library computers. And there was no need for cable when she could watch Netflix on the tiny screen of her cellphone.
No one her age has a landline, and she wonders what cable even has to offer these days.
But that’s because I get everything I need from the internet. If you also want cable and phone service, that’s what we’re here for.
Is it okay if I take a couple of days to think about it? You provided a lot of information and I don’t want to make rash decisions.
Yes, of course, Aleksander. You don’t have to decide right now.
Well, thank you so much, Alina.
She should be going over her closing script right now, but she doesn’t want the call to end. Instead, she tries something else.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Actually, you know what? You can. Thank you for asking. I almost forgot about that.
Well, shoot.
I was wondering if we could change the information in the account. Last time we spoke I realized everything is linked to Luda. Going through her email was so hard… I don’t know if I can do it again, at least not right now. So I want to update the information. Can you do that for me?
It’s hard to think about how he’s forced to do this because he’s now a widow—that the only reason she gets to talk to him is because his wife is gone.
Yes, of course, Aleksander. We can definitely do that. Let me just access your account.
This time, Aleksander already knows the access code, so it’s very easy for her to make the changes he requests. It doesn’t escape her notice that although he updates the email, phone number, personal password and authorized users, he never asks to change the name on the account.
She doesn’t suggest it. He has his reasons.
Will the survey arrive at my email this time?
He sounds almost eager, making her think about how lonely his days likely are now. He must enjoy these conversations with her more than the average caller.
Yes, actually. Now all the emails should be forwarded to yours. If you don’t get them, check the spam folder. If you still can’t find them, you can always call us.
If only all the agents were as kind as you! Thank you, Alina.
Is there anything else I can do for you today?
Yes, please take care of yourself. Keep being as kind and as radiant as you are.
And don’t forget to enjoy life! Good night, Alina.
You have an amazing employee! There should be more people like Alina all around the world. Please consider giving her a raise.
Aleksander.
Grisha Communications tower.
Fifth floor.
Friday, September 23rd, 2022.
12:06 am
This time when Aleksander calls, Alina knows it’s him before she greets him with her opening line. It seems like he is getting the hang of things and has put his account information through the IVR.
By the time the call goes through, his account is already opened.
Good evening Aleksander! This is Alina, how are you doing tonight?
She probably shouldn’t forgo the usual greeting; it could warrant a coaching session—which she definitely doesn’t need—but this is Aleksander, so she thinks it’s fine. They already know each other.
Alina? Oh, wow. How did you know it was me?
You put your info through the IVR, that’s how I know it’s you.
He stays quiet for a few seconds. She knows he’s still there because she can hear his breathing, but doesn’t push for a response.
I’m sorry, everything you said sounds like a foreign language. Can you explain?
She laughs, almost facepalming herself. One of the cardinal rules of call centers is not to use jargon, which she just did on an elderly man.
Oh, I’m sorry! You put in your account information, and validated your account through the phone. You know? When the robot asked you? Well, you did. So when I got the call, your account just opened up on my screen. That’s how I know it's you.
Another pause.
Alina guesses he’s processing what she explained.
And then, a laugh so hard it startles her.
She can’t help but laugh as well.
Wow, okay. Incredible what technology does for us these days.
I was just surprised we have encountered each other three times!
Me too! It’s good to hear from you again.
Has this ever happened before?
What do you mean?
The same customer. This is our third time speaking to each other.
Short answer: no.
Long answer: hell no.
To get him twice on the phone seemed almost an impossibility, three times is almost insane—completely unheard of. There’s just no way.
In the past, customers have asked her if she had a direct extension for them to reach her again. She had to explain, sadly, that the company did not provide those to phone agents, because the entire call system is randomized.
And yet, there’s Aleksander, who has called three times. And three times he has been connected with her.
Maybe he’s doing this on purpose, Alina wonders—calling and calling until he gets her on the line. But his voice sounds so genuinely surprised, she can’t imagine him tampering with the system. Aleksander’s surprise is authentic; she knows it.
It happened once when I was on the daytime shift. But to be honest, no, this is not very common. I’m as surprised as you are.
I hope it’s a pleasant surprise.
Actually, yes, it is.
That brings me joy, Alina. How have you been? Did you get my survey?
I’ve been fine, thank you for asking. And yes, I did get your survey. I really appreciate it.
Still no raise?
No, but the survey allows me to earn bonuses. So thank you.
Well, I do what I can. Nothing to thank me for; I am very thankful for your help.
It’s been a real pleasure, Aleksander. How can I help you today?
I thought about all the information we went over in our last call. And then my nephew came the other day and helped me set up Netflix. He also signed me up for Disney Plus and other streaming services… To be frank, I think he did it because he wanted them. However, I found them very entertaining.
Alina can’t help but smile. Although she is quite annoyed someone is taking advantage of Aleksander’s kindness, she can understand his nephew. Alina only has Netflix because she shares an account with Inej, Jesper and Wylan. The actual owner of the account is Kaz.
Have you been enjoying the streaming services?
I have! There are many documentaries about history and many other topics I find fascinating.
I don’t know if it’s already on your list, but I recommend Our Planet. It’s narrated by David Attenborough. And it’s fantastic.
Oh, I’ll be sure to put it on my list.
Are you a biologist by any chance?
Oh no. Not at all. I am an animal lover, though.
I actually studied art and cartography.
Cartography? That actually sounds very interesting!
Alina chuckles. He must be the only person in the world to think that.
I wish more people out there thought like you, Aleksander.
I stand by it. I think it’s a lost art. Have you seen the maps at the old Ravkan Gallery?
I mean, you probably have. An art and cartography graduate—that sounds amazing!
Funny how a stranger over the phone sounds more supportive than Mal has ever been.
Did you study art?
Oh, Saints no! I studied business administration. I’m boring like that.
Alina tries not to, but a very undignified snort comes out of her. Luckily, Aleksander doesn’t seem to mind.
Oh, please laugh. It’s okay. Luda used to tell me all the time that I was very boring. She was a doctor, so her life was very exciting. She would always come home with a great anecdote or story … Well, sometimes it wasn’t so exciting. It was hard when she lost patients.
She stays quiet after Aleksander speaks.
They had a life together. They shared moments and experiences. There was love there. There is love now. Even after she’s gone, she can hear Aleksander’s love for his late wife in his words.
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sour our conversation.
It’s okay, Aleksander. You can speak freely.
I miss her a lot. People talk about grief and love, but all I can think about is how little time we had. We should’ve gotten more time together if I hadn’t been so stupid as a young man.
Alina stays quiet, unable to say or do anything.
When she was still in the first days of training, the trainer would speak about how one of the most important parts of taking a phone call was just to listen. Sure, the main goal was to assist the customer with whatever issue they have, but listening was often cited as the most important thing a good agent could do.
While they did warn the trainees about how many elderly customers would ramble or try to make conversation, they also made it clear that many customers would call just to have someone to talk to.
Despite being in many of these scenarios before, Alina finds herself at a loss for words.
Sure, many customers talked about their deceased partners, spouses or family members, but none allowed themselves to get personal with another on the phone. This was a relationship with little space to become vulnerable.
And yet, that’s exactly what was happening with Aleksander.
She can feel his sadness, his grief. His voice is no longer warm and comforting; instead it transforms into something unbearable.
I’m sorry, Alina. I shouldn’t be dumping this on you. It’s just… I can’t help but miss her. Sometimes I wake up and I forget, even if next week it’ll be eight months since she left. I just think it’s so unfair; she left and we were just getting started. We had so much ahead of us, she had so much life to live.
Alina realizes she got it all wrong.
They had a life, but it was not enough.
She wipes the unshed tears from her eyes as she tries to picture him once more, alone in his house, reminiscing the moments they shared together at the same time he yearns for all the things they didn’t get to live.
Silently, she wonders if it would ever be enough.
Aleksander…
Oh, Alina, I'm so sorry. Grief is a funny thing. I hope you don’t have to experience it, at least not anytime soon.
It’s okay, Aleksander. Please don’t apologize.
I must, Alina. This isn’t why I called you today, but I’m afraid I can’t stay on the phone. I apologize for wasting your time.
No, really you didn…
I’ll leave you now, Alina. But if I may, please live your life. Be fearless, and don’t waste your time on things that aren't worth it. Pursue your passions. Make gorgeous art. Learn more about cartography.
Love, Alina. Love and find yourself someone who loves you.
I promise it will be worth it.
The line goes dead, and Alina remains, crying in a way she hasn’t in a long time.
Tante Heleen’s dinner.
Wednesday, October 5th, 2022.
9:51 pm
“So, Dubrov invited Mikhail and me to this concert; I tried to get you a ticket but…” Mal talks in between sips of his milkshake, but Alina isn’t paying much attention to him.
Ever since that call from Aleksander, all she has done is think about him and what he told her. Incredible, really, how she had never felt so moved by someone else’s words, and yet this person, a virtual stranger, has been at the front-and-center of her thoughts.
Alina couldn't deny the initial fear she felt. Her job consisted of providing customer support, and in her most recent calls with Aleksander, she didn't follow any sort of protocol like she was meant to. There was a genuine nervousness within her that her supervisor would realize it, or the Quality Analysts would review the recordings. When enough time passed and it became obvious that no one did, Alina stopped worrying about being written up, and started being concerned with the big things.
Like Aleksander.
She knew grief firsthand, but her’s was a quiet thing; it was not a wave like Aleksander’s. Instead it was the foam that arrived at the shore. It was constant, but small enough she had learned how to live with it. It was clear he was still in the midst of it.
His grief was a tsunami, and he was swallowed by the wave, unable to swim to the surface and get a much-needed breath.
Alina imagined him, in a big house all alone with only his memories for company.
It broke her heart over and over.
She had never thought having no memories of her parents was a blessing, but she certainly considered it one now.
“Here you go. One cheeseburger for the gentlemen, and some waffles for the lady. Is there anything you need?” Alina smiles at the waiter and Mal dismisses her, starting to eat without a second thought.
She looks at him for a second, detailing his face, getting lost in his features.
They had known each other since they were both fifteen, when Alina won a scholarship to attend the Little Palace Academy, the most prominent school of Os Alta’s Elite. While she made friends with Nadia and Marie quickly, Mal was her absolute best friend, the one she told her deepest secrets to and hugged when things got rough.
They were incredibly alike. Despite being raised with the rich and wealthy, Mal also knew what it was like to lose a parent, having lost his own when he was just a baby. Although he was adopted at the age of three, Mal often confessed to Alina he missed something he never really got to enjoy.
It was easy to fall in love with him. There was a certain charm to Mal, and she couldn’t help but harbor a crush on her best friend.
However, things were never easy.
When they went to University, Mal refused to make a move on her. It was only after he heard she had hooked up with her coworker Alexei, that Mal invited her on a date... A date that was eerily similar to the one they were currently on.
Still, they were never officially a couple. There was no anniversary, no plans for the future… Saints! She had never even met his family.
Aleksander told her to love, and not waste time on things that aren’t worth it. She wonders if Mal is worth it, she wonders if their relationship is worth it. Fifteen-year-old Alina would’ve said yes without a second thought, but her current self…
“Mal, do you love me?”
He has a little bit of ketchup on the corner of his mouth. He looks at her like a deer caught in the headlights.
In all their years together, it’s a question she has never uttered. It’s a question he has never answered.
She thinks it’s a question he can’t answer.
“What are you talking about?” Mal asks.
He’s not happy about her question.
She’s not happy about his answer.
“I’ve known you for a long time. We’ve been together a couple of years now and yet, I’m not your girlfriend and you’re not my boyfriend. We don’t have an anniversary. You don’t get me flowers, and our dates are always… this. Or well. Maybe I should be grateful for this because sometimes you just fuck me, and then call it a date.” She can’t believe she’s saying these things out loud, and by the looks of it, neither can he. “It’s a valid question, I think I deserve to know the answer.”
She deserves much more, Alina thinks, but right now this will do.
“Lin, what are you even talking about? We’ve talked about this …”
“No, we really haven’t. You always do all the talking, and because I fell for the sound of your voice, I forgot how mine sounded.”
She gets up from the table and glances at Mal before turning away.
Her waffles remain on the table.
Shit.
She should’ve done that after eating.
Grisha Communications tower.
Fifth floor.
Friday, September 23rd, 2022.
3:15 am
After essentially breaking up with Mal at the diner, two things happen: first, Alina wonders if it can even be considered a break-up if one half of the couple never acknowledged they were in a relationship; and second, Mal calls her like there’s no tomorrow.
Irony is the color that tints her glasses.
She lets Inej and Wylan know the change of her relationship status. It’s just a precaution in the event that Mal thinks it’s a good idea to stop by their flat. Apart from that, her life continues to be the same
Well, not quite.
Aleksander’s words still echo inside her brain. Sure, she dealt with Mal, but he had also encouraged her to follow her passions and fulfill her dreams. He’d told her to pursue art and cartography. Told her to be fearless.
Alina has never thought of herself as fearless. She has never thought of herself as someone brave, someone who goes after what she wants.
There’s a reason she’s working as a phone agent instead of using her hard-earned degrees, and it’s not exactly because the job market is saturated. It’s simply because she hasn’t put herself out there.
The whole point of working a graveyard shift was so she could look for jobs during the day, and yet… Alina hasn’t done anything to find that right place for her. She owes it to herself to at least try.
Hello! Hi, My name is Aleksander, I’m a customer although the account is under my wife’s name. I know this is not how the company works, but I want to speak to Alina, she’s an agent, and she’s been of the utmost help.
Alina listens to a voice she hasn’t heard in a week and thinks, for a brief second, that she’s dreaming at work. But she never sleeps on the job. So she’s not dreaming that Aleksander, of all people, is actually looking for her.
Aleksander? It’s me, Alina.
Maybe she should say something else, but what exactly, she doesn’t know. So she remains quiet.
Oh, thank the Saints. I don’t consider myself religious but… I was afraid I wasn’t going to get you when I needed you the most.
At our last call I was not at my best, and I apologize...
She takes a deep breath and looks at the ceiling.
When she was young, before she was placed in the Kuya’s household and was jumping from house to house, she used to do this. Alina used to think if she looked at the ceiling, if she looked up—to where her parents supposedly were—then the tears wouldn’t come.
How wrong had she been then.
How wrong she is now.
I lost my parents when I was five years old.
Alina tells him, plain and simple. She tells him, because he will apologize over and over for something he doesn’t need to apologize for.
She tells him because she knows grief too.
I don’t remember them much. There’s a few pictures, of course, and I’m thankful for those. But I don’t remember their love. I don’t remember the most important thing about them.
Alina, I am so incredibly sorry to hear that.
Because she was young when she lost them, she also gets the blessing of forgetting how many sorry for your loss she must have heard. By her account, the number is far higher than she should’ve heard in her relatively short lifetime.
Still, she welcomes Aleksander’s words just like she welcomes the memories her grief brings back to her.
Grief is something I wish you didn’t experience until later in life. I am sorry that is not the case. You are so kind and warm, I hoped to spare you this pain.
Thank you, Aleksander.
The pain will never go away but… I don’t know. I don’t know if I would be the same without it.
It is true, what she says, although she has never said it out loud. Probably because no one, not even Mal, would understand.
Alas, it is true. Pain, love, happiness… They shape us in ways beyond our control.
Thank you for sharing this with me, Alina. You didn’t have to, but please know I appreciate the gesture.
There’s nothing to thank, Aleksander, really.
It’s not your job to listen to me, much less to follow my conversation or divulge personal information about yourself. There is a lot to thank here.
Well, when you put it like that…
Didn’t they teach you that the customer is always right?
She’s taken aback by the question, not because of it per se, but because of the playful tone of his voice. It is a much needed change after a charged conversation and while it doesn’t make her laugh, it brings a smile to her face.
As a matter of fact, yes, they did tell us that.
Then you should just let me be right, and let me thank you.
I think I will.
Aleksander?
Yes?
You can’t see me, but I’m smiling.
I’m smiling too.
…
And I might be way out of line here, but I think your parents would have been so proud of you.
You’re a kind person; I’m sure it’s not because this is your job, but because it’s simply who you are.
It’s not my place to say but I think they would be proud of who you are now.
Alina doesn’t know what to say for a second. She stays there, her throat dry and her eyes full of tears.
Neither of them say anything for a while; the sound of his breathing and her muffled sobs fill the line until Alina can actually utter a word.
Thank you, Aleksander.
Thank you.
When she gets home there’s a bouquet of blue irises by the door. She doesn’t pay attention to the card, tossing it in the trash without even opening it. The irises, however, light up the room.
Grisha Communications tower.
Fifth floor.
Friday, September 23rd, 2022.
12:39 am
It occurred to me that the last couple of times I called, I did not do anything even remotely related to your job.
It’s Aleksander, again.
Including this call, there’s been five separate occasions in which he has called and gotten her on this side of the line.
Five times.
It must be an anomaly. But Alina doesn’t particularly want to find out.
She likes Aleksander. She enjoys talking to him, even if sometimes it’s not the easiest thing to do.
Luckily, his call today is not composed of difficult conversations but rather an easy chat.
After expressing how delighted he was about having her on the phone, he proceeded to ask how she was doing. She shared that she’s trying to follow his advice and has been sending her resume to galleries or museums that might need her knowledge, but also, applying for tutoring gigs.
She couldn’t deny it made her very happy to share that with him. She was smiling as she spoke, and her smile got even bigger when he shared a couple of tips for her CV before wishing her the best of luck.
While she might not be able to see him, Alina knew he was smiling, too.
When it was his turn to share about his days, Aleksander commented that one of his closest friends had his birthday recently and it had been a joy to celebrate at a country house outside of the city.
Alina felt happy for him, not only because she was thrilled that at his age some of his friends were still alive, but also because she imagined it was good for him to get out of his house for a change of scenery.
Now, however, they are talking business.
Well, then, let us correct that. How can I assist you today?
I’ve given it a thought about switching my plan, and I decided that I want Grisha Communications to provide my cable and landline as well.
That’s great, Aleksander. I can get you started right away!
Thank you, Alina.
She works in relative silence, only asking simple questions to make sure everything is correct.
Do you earn commissions on sales?
Oh, no. I’m technically not part of the sales department.
But you’re making a sale.
I mean, I just provide the information.
You quite literally did more than that.
You’re the reason I’m acquiring the service, Alina.
Well…
Don’t sell yourself short. I understand you won’t get a commission, which I don’t agree with, so I’ll just leave another review until they listen and give you a raise.
Alina has to bite her lower lip to keep herself from smiling. He sounds so offended, even a bit angry. She finds it endearing.
She doesn’t think anyone has ever acted like this, especially not for her.
However, she also has to remember that Aleksander is a customer, and although their relationship might not be very traditional, he’s not her friend. He is just someone who calls the assistance line in order to get support, which she provides.
She needs to remember that, because a part of her is already latching onto him and at the end of the day, although he feels lonely and calling the line provides a relief, there will come a time when he won’t call anymore, or he’ll call and get someone else on the phone.
And that will be fine, because they are virtually strangers who only meet through a support line.
Thank you, Aleksander.
Would you be available on Wednesday morning, so our technicians can install the landline and do a check on the internet?
Could it be Wednesday afternoon? Or maybe Thursday? I’m having a business meeting on Wednesday.
You work?
Oh shit. She shouldn’t have said that.
Although she has been functioning under the assumption that Aleksander was retired and the news of him working are a surprise to her, she shouldn’t have said that. Not only because he’s a customer and the call is getting recorded but also because it's rude.
Aleksander, however, doesn’t seem to mind.
He laughs, loud and boisterous. Alina allows herself to think he has a beautiful laugh.
I guess it’s a valid question. I actually retired when Luda got sick, and left my sister in charge. She’s the one I’m meeting; she wants me to come back to work.
Although Alina agrees, she thinks working might help him distract himself and get out of the house more, she doesn’t fixate on that. Instead, she focuses on the fact that he “left his sister in charge”. She is one of those people who quickly jumps to conclusions, so she immediately thinks he was the head of a company. Still, she decides to ask.
Oh, you mentioned you studied business administration.
Yes, I didn’t think you’d remember! But before that I was in the military. I combined both and founded a security firm. My sister is “tired of dealing with useless men” and wants me to come back.
Alina stays quiet for a second, a little taken aback by the explanation. He talks so casually about his achievements she can’t believe. People her age do nothing but brag and flex about so-called “achievements” that amount to nothing, and there Aleksander is, talking about his work as if he was talking about the weather.
Wow! Do you miss it?
I do, as a matter of fact. I took great pride in my job. I will definitely come back but probably work fewer hours or something. I don’t want to go back to being a workaholic.
That sounds nice, Aleksander. I’m happy for you.
Thank you, Alina. Maybe when I come back, I’ll ask for your help with art. My office was quite bland, so I might need your expertise.
I assure you, there are far better experts out there…
I think I told you not to sell yourself short.
I won’t deny there are other experts out there, but your work and your knowledge are valuable. If you don’t see this, then no one else will.
Alina wonders if this is the type of comment he makes to his kids and grandkids. She wonders if any of them listen to their grandpa.
She wonders if she will listen to this nice stranger on the phone.
I struggle a lot with my own self-worth. It’s just so foreign… I don’t know how to explain it.
You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I just thought to say it because I think so.
We all have our struggles, Alina, and you’re young; you don’t need to have everything figured out. It’s fine.
Alina smiles, appreciative of his words.
Still, for some reason, she thinks they will end up having another deep conversation, so she decides to change the topic.
There is something I have completely figured out, though.
You do?
Yes. How about Thursday morning, at around 9 am, I send the technicians to your house?
Oh, fantastic, Alina!
The ticket number is…
Wait a second, let me get my notepad.
Alina tries not to laugh.
Older people and their antics.