Subhuman Resources 3

One day after my conversation with Ulises, I was summoned to the human resources department. When I arrived at the offices, which were already in the process of being dismantled, I was surprised to learn that they had fired a lady who had been working in that department since the company opened; in her place, they hired a 30-year-old man with the body of a bodybuilder. His name is Libardo.

Libardo is a white man, with curly hair, light eyes, and an Italian profile. He spoke to me with authoritarian manners and the coldness of someone who didn't know I was friends with the company's owner.

Libardo explained to me that the factory would be closing and that he had to lay me off. He handed me a check, which I confirmed had a very good amount, but I had to fight to keep my job.

"Hey Libardo," I said without touching the check, "I've been told that there's a new program in human resources that's looking for personnel. Can I apply?"

Libardo studied me in a strange way, and finally, he said, taking back the check, "Don't come to work tomorrow. If there's a place for you in that program, I'll call you on your phone, and if not, I'll ask you to come back to sign the papers and collect your check."

Less than 24 hours had passed when Pablo himself called me on the phone, inviting me to meet him at a luxury restaurant far from the factory.

"Dude," he said, somewhat nervous, after discussing many things to distract us a bit, "I was told you want to apply for the human resources project."

My heart began to beat strongly, as Pablo would consider me and I wouldn't lose my job. "Yes, friend," I said, "could you help me get into that program?"

"Hugo, I don't know how you found out, but that program is very demanding and, to some extent, difficult... I don't recommend it, brother, I wouldn't want to see you there," he said.

"Pablo, do you want me to kneel and beg you? I'll do it," I said. "I really need to keep my job."

"Seriously, you'd kneel?" he asked, nervous.

"I'll do whatever it takes."

"Okay, Hugo, if I had something to offer you, you know you're my friend, and I'd hire you, but moving the company is costing me millions, and I have nothing to offer you. Please accept the severance pay," he said.

I got up from my seat and knelt down. "I beg you," I said. Pablo blushed.

"Get up, damn it," he said, very seriously. I did, and he continued, "It's a crappy job, for bastards who don't have many options."

"I don't have options," I replied.

"Fine," he said. "I'll give you that job because you're a fool and because you're my friend. But as friends, I tell you that you're making a mistake." We didn't feel comfortable finishing the conversation, and Pablo offered to pay the bill, which I gladly accepted. I got up and left.

"Tomorrow at 8, report to Libardo. I'll let him know you want to join the program, and note, damn i...