Sara walked through the revolving doors, clutching her new employee badge. Her eyes sparkled with hope and a hint of nervousness as she scanned her new workplace, absorbing the bright colors and the steady hum of productivity. A plate of donuts caught her attention near the breakroom, and she smiled at the unexpected welcome.
Mike, the friendly HR manager, waved her over. "Sara, come join us! You have to try the chocolate croissants—they’re legendary around here."
"Thank you, Mike. I’ve heard office snacks here are dangerous," Sara joked, reaching for a pastry. She noticed how everyone seemed to bond over food, making it hard to say no.
Over months, Sara found herself slipping easily into the office rhythm. Coffee breaks turned into cake breaks, and stressful deadlines were soothed by bowls of candy left on every desk. She noticed her clothes becoming a little tighter, but the camaraderie made every treat feel like a small celebration.
Lisa, her cubicle neighbor, nudged her one day. "Late night working again? Here, have a slice of pizza—my treat."
Sara often found herself ordering extra food during overtime. The convenience of quick meals and the comfort of shared snacks helped her cope with mounting workloads. Occasional guilt flared up, but faded quickly amid the supportive, food-loving culture. Her reflection in the mirrored elevator doors began to change, but she shrugged it off with a resigned laugh.
Sara is nearly unrecognizable from her first day—her body now 500 pounds heavier, her presence filling the room. Despite her size, she carries herself with confidence, her laughter booming during meetings. She leads her team with warmth, always making sure no one feels left out, especially during office celebrations.
"Sara, you’re the heart of this place," Mike said, dropping off a birthday cake at her desk.
"Thanks, Mike. I guess I’ve really become a part of the furniture—literally," Sara replied with a wink, drawing smiles from her coworkers.
Sara thinks back on her journey, recognizing both the joys and the challenges. The weight she’s gained is undeniable, but so too is the life she’s built—the friendships, the career, and her own sense of belonging. She sighs, both content and contemplative, knowing every chapter, no matter how unexpected, is part of her story.
