Cover of The Surprise Visitor at Work

Renee started her Monday like every other day. She made coffee and sat down at her desk. She checked her email and planned her tasks for the day. The office was quiet, and everyone worked at their computers. Renee began her first meeting at nine o'clock.

At eleven, she got back to her desk to finish a report. She typed quickly because the report was due that day. Suddenly, someone knocked on the glass door of the office. Renee looked up and almost dropped her coffee cup. A familiar face smiled at her through the glass.

It was Declan. He worked in her department before. He moved to another city two years ago. Renee jumped up and walked to the door fast. "Declan! Why are you here?" she asked with a big smile. "I'm in town for a conference," he said. "I wanted to say hello."

They hugged, and Renee brought him inside the office. Her coworkers looked up from their computers. "Everyone, this is Declan. He sat right there before," Renee said. Declan waved at the team and laughed at the memory. Renee's manager came over and shook his hand too.

They talked about old projects and funny memories from before. Declan told them about his new job in the other city. Renee almost forgot about her report during the visit. After twenty minutes, Declan checked his watch. "I have to go, but let's have dinner tonight," he said.

"I'd love that," Renee said, and she wrote down his number. Declan waved goodbye and walked out through the glass door. Renee sat back down and smiled at her screen. She finished her report faster than she expected.

🧠 Check your understanding

  1. What kind of day does Renee expect at first?

    Show answer

    Answer: A normal work day

    She starts her Monday like every other day.

  2. Who surprises Renee at the office?

    Show answer

    Answer: A former coworker named Declan

    Declan, who worked in her department before, comes to say hello.

  3. What do Renee and Declan plan to do?

    Show answer

    Answer: Have dinner together that night

    Declan says, "Let's have dinner tonight."

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