Memories.

  Memories are what makes us, us.

  If I were to have memories of another, I wouldn't be me anymore, would I?

  Memories can be good, bad or in between.

  Losing memories is something a lot of people fear.

  If you were to lose yours, would you still be you?

  Though I also believe that everyone has their fair share of memories they would rather forget. Embarrassing ones or sad ones for example.

  Some people truly treasure their memories, others not so much.

  Some people like to take souvenirs from wherever they went to, to help remember every time they look at it and again others don't.

  I'm not sure if I belong to either of these groups, then again maybe no one belongs to these groups. There are many things I don't care about, but I never want to forget that I'm me and who the people are that are closest to me.

  It's said that most people can remember back to when they were about four years old, honestly pretty interesting. It's called infantile amnesia, the reason why this occurs is still a mystery to mankind. One theory suggests that it's because the brain is still too young to form memories, unable to put the pieces together, still unable to really, truly learn.

  Then there is the fact that people can start losing memories due to age, alzheimer or even accidents in which certain parts of the brain is damaged. Something most people know thanks to the media, amnesia.

  I still feel tired from being unable to sleep last night, it's causing me to feel rather cranky today. It was supposed to be my free day, but I have an appointment with the new CEO, thanks to the chihuahua.

  "Good day Farren." The man before me speaks, welcoming me into his office. It has changed so much since he came... well everything has.

  From the atmosphere around the cubicles to how and where everything is placed.

  I give him a polite nod in response to his greeting.

  "I heard from Joseph that you were causing trouble."

  This is the first time me and this CEO are having an actual conversation, I used to have plenty with the former one. Thinking about it makes me miss him a little bit. He was kind and seemed to understand my struggles.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  I don't know anything about this guy.

  "I have." I answer deadpan.

  The man before me leans back in his chair.

  "It's a pity really. You've never been a very sociable person, always in the corner doing your own thing. Not showing off your true talents to anyone."

  For some reason his words make the hairs in my neck stand up.

  "I'm sorry, but what are you talking about?"

  He smiles at me in a sad manner: "I guess it's true. You have forgotten all about me."

  I remain quiet, unsure of what to say.

  Do I know this guy? Or is this some kind of thread?

  Crap... does he know?!

  He finally breaks the silence and continues, never taking his eyes off me: "We went to school together."

  ...

  Oh.

  That's... it?

  I feel the tension in the room evaporate.

  "Sorry, I went to too many. And it's all quite long ago now."

  "Still, it's unfortunate. I really looked up to you. Always quiet, yet never afraid to stand your or another's ground. Just what happened to you?"

  I look away and shrug, slightly annoyed: "Time does such things to people, we change."

  "I remember you smiling from time to time back then, but now I don't believe I've ever seen you do so."

  I return my gaze to him: "I do still smile from time to time."

  He looks at me like I'm telling another lie.

  I don't care though.

  "Do you still enjoy working here?" He asks a question I'm not surprised about.

  "Well I got sent here for misbehaving, but it's okay. And- " I continue: "It's not like I can just end the contract."

  I'm not scared of him.

  I'm not going to sugarcoat the truth.

  Not today.

  Not even three mugs of hot coffee will let me do so.

  The man before me nods: "Don't you regret starting here?"

  I shake my head: "No, I still believe that I'm doing the right thing working here and I will do so until either the contract ends or I don't feel like coming anymore."

  "I see Ed really got through to you."

  "He's a great guy."

  "You look up to him?"

  "Yeah."

  Suddenly he leans closer towards me, bringing back the old tension.

  "By the way, I know that you're lying."

  "What do you mean?!"

  "Confessing to cause trouble, you didn't."

  I feel like someone has just punched me in my gut.

  Does he know?

  Does he know what I saw?

  Is this a warning? Or is that something I've already received?

  "Joseph is being too hard on you." He finally seems to conclude, finally giving me space to breathe again.

  "So which school did you go to?" I ask trying desperately to change the conversation.

  The CEO looks at me: "You really don't remember me? I'm Oliver, remember? You should at least remember my name."

  I give him an awkward smile.

  "You forgot..."

  "Sorry, I'm bad with names."

  Oliver sighs: "Well, you're dismissed. I'll tell Joseph that you got your punishment. I'm really sorry you have to deal with such an arse like him."

  I shrug: "It's okay, I'm used to him now."

  The CEO signals to me that I can leave.

  I turn my back to him and walk out of the room, I close the door behind me.

  Suddenly, like a flash of lightning I remember.

  Right! Oliver... we were friends in primary school!

  Part of me wants to go back inside and talk about it, but the other wants me to go home and go back to bed.

  Damnit.

  I have another appointment to go to before I can.