Unexpected Endings That Had a Stronger Twist Than a Mystery Novel

I had a colleague who never spoke to me—not even a word.

I wanted to be friends with her because we were two females around the same age in the company. But a quick nod to my “Hi” was all I ever got. Yet, we exchanged work emails regularly.

5 years later, at our annual Christmas party, she gave me a locket without a word and walked away. Inside, there was a piece of paper with 2 words: I’m mute. All these years, I’d assumed she didn’t want to talk to me. Our relationship didn’t change much after that. She stayed shy, and I simply smiled when I saw her, not wanting to bother her.

7 years later, she suddenly left the company. I couldn’t even say goodbye. The next day, another colleague said, “Emma wanted you to have this.” It was another locket. I opened it and found a folded piece of paper. It had 2 words: Favorite colleague.

I was stunned. I never sensed she cared for me, yet she clearly did. I tried to find her, but she had moved abroad. I still keep both lockets, and they remind me of the quiet bonds we sometimes share without realizing it. Wherever she is, I hope Emma is doing well.