Changes.

How easily our desires and expectations can enslave us, and rob us of our freedom to be ourselves. Sometimes, it might even take us further away from our wants.

The less infatuated I've become, the more he now turns to me with smiles.

- - - - - - - - - -

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” - Yoda

From Day 1, she didn't hide her contempt for the new competition, and tried to trip me up every chance that she had and could conjure, afraid that I would 'usurp' the newly vacated position that she had wanted, so much, and for so long. Even after she got what she wanted, she continued her campaign, albeit less intense. But by then, I had also become better at my work, and more streetwise in my dealings with her. By then too, she had grown increasingly complacent, bolder, and, 'careless'. Ultimately, it all fell apart. Her downfall has now led to the position falling into my lap; the very thing that she had feared.

It's strange how things work themselves out.

Yes, I've been promoted -- sans raise because of this year's pay freeze. Oh well...