The Janitor's Dilemma: Tales from the Elegant Salon: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Immersed in a gray and melancholic autumn, this tale reveals the life of Vivian, a janitor in an elegant salon. Each day feels like an oppressive déjà vu, a closed cycle of dark thoughts that have become her faithful companions. As she struggles to ward off the negative thoughts, an accident in the salon exposes her to the wrath of the relentless owner, the arrogant Ms. Hillary. With sparkling eyes and cutting words, Ms. Hillary pours her disdain onto Vivian, who endeavors to rectify her mistake, drenched in cleaning solution.

While she works, envy and resentment simmer within her, observing the salon's employees with their elegant attire and disdainful treatment. The injustice of life is clearly revealed to Vivian, who finds herself trapped in a web of financial obligations, contrasting with the luxurious style of those around her. However, an unexpected encounter with an anxious client, Mrs. Teresa, a family psychologist, opens a glimmer of hope in her monotonous routine.

As she holds Mrs. Teresa's golden card, Vivian is taken by the possibility of a different future. However, the weight of responsibilities delays her departure from work, and she finds herself entangled in a distant conflict in the corridor. Curiosity leads her to uncover the hidden secrets within the salon's walls, revealing the hidden complexities behind the superficial glamour.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223726111

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Table of Contents

The Janitor's Dilemma: Tales from the Elegant Salon (contos, #1)

This autumn day was similar to dozens and hundreds of other days, just as grey and

dreary.

Vivian thought with melancholy.

Groundhog Day.

It's like a closed loop I can't break free from.

Gloomy thoughts have long become her faithful companions in life.

She used to chase them away diligently, but over the years, the desire to change anything

in life has turned into apathy.

Today, she let these thoughts pass through her consciousness without any internal resistance,

but at some point, Vivian got distracted and accidentally knocked over a bucket.

The dirty mixture, generously seasoned with cleaning solution, spilled over the marble

floor.

Before the woman could understand what had happened, a harsh shout came from behind.

Oh my god, Ms. Vivian, can you be any clumsier?

You're a walking disaster.

It's dangerous to be around you.

The salon owner's eyes flashed like lightning, and her well-groomed face showed a sense of

disgust.

The cleaning lady rushed to rectify her mistake.

Ms. Hillary, I'll clean it up right away.

It was an accident, I got lost in thought.

At work, you should only think about making everything shine for the salon's opening.

But every day, you make new blunders.

Honestly, I regret hiring you.

But keep in mind that I can change my attitude at any moment, and most likely, it won't

be in your favor.

Ms. Hillary, I'll fix everything.

I hope so.

The owner stomped her branded boots with her heels loudly, expressing contempt for the

cleaning lady.

Vivian filled a bucket with clean water and started cleaning because time was running

short, and the vestibule area was nearly 40 square meters.

She had to work at an accelerated pace.

Thoughts crowded her mind again, pressing on her temples.

They were dedicated to the owner, or rather, her rude treatment of subordinates.

The old tech thinks her wrinkles aren't visible under all that makeup.

Oh, they're visible.

And she dresses inappropriately for her age, short skirts and high heels.

Perhaps the main reason for Ms. Vivian's inner outrage was plain envy.

After all, she herself worked like crazy, but couldn't afford to buy even the bare necessities.

Here she is, toiling away at three jobs, barely making ends meet, while that which

flaunts expensive outfits.

Why do such shameless and unprincipled women have all the luck in life?

She wanted to delve even deeper into her boss's character, but the first early birds appeared

at the entrance of the establishment.

The employees, accustomed to arriving half an hour before their shift, paid no attention

to the hunched over Janitor.

They walked past, leaving the traces of their stylish shoes on the marble floor.

Vivian angrily started to clean the stains, her mind trembling with righteous anger.

And these heartless creatures didn't even say hello.

Of course, why would they stoop down to acknowledge a mere Janitor?

They were from a higher cast.

The Janitor had various thoughts running through her mind during her two hours of work.

But if someone had dared to observe this woman from the sidelines, they would hardly believe

that such an active thought process was happening beneath her colorful headscarf.

Vivian had only worked in the salon for two months, and she had already regretted coming

here many times.

If it weren't for the desperate state of her family's budget, she would have long

sent that arrogant Ms. Hillary, along with her rude employees and clients, packing.

They were all smeared with the same brush.

Beautiful sign on the outside, but emptiness on the inside.

With an angry gaze, the woman watched two more salon employees, hurriedly passed by without

acknowledging the Janitor's presence.

Before the echoing sound of their high heels subsided, the door slammed shut again.

Good morning.

Can you please tell me where I can find the most important person here?

The visitor, a 45-year-old woman, smiled and patiently waited for a response.

For the first time that morning, Vivian smiled.

Hello, Ms. Hillary is in her office.

You need to go straight down the corridor, then turn right.

Her office is at the very end.

The visitor smiled warmly and thanked Vivian.

Thank you for your help.

These corridors can be quite confusing.

You know, I usually go to a different place.

It's very expensive here, but I came today for a personal matter.

It was evident that the woman was deeply anxious, and Vivian decided to encourage her.

I know from personal experience that it's best to address personal matters early in

the morning.

And it makes sense, because Ms. Hillary's mood is already ruined by lunchtime.

The client looked at Vivian with interest.

You speak so eloquently, and hear you are scrubbing floors.

She felt a hot wave spread through her body.

Circumstances forced me to.

I didn't finish my education in due time, and now I have to pay for my carelessness.

The woman opened her purse and handed Vivian a golden business card with the same radiant

smile.

It will be tough, but feel free to reach out.

The silhouette of this pleasant woman dissolved in