The sheer presence of the office building had fascinated Arevik from the very beginning, but the administration impressed her even more. Everything functioned smoothly and precisely: everyone knew exactly what they were supposed to do, and there was no pointless waste of time. The paperwork was completed quickly, access slots for magnetic cards were activated in each department, and within just a few hours Arevik officially became a full-fledged employee of the company.

  It was already lunchtime, and she was escorted to the cafeteria. People were talking, discussing various topics, freely exchanging thoughts. Arevik liked it. The strict order she had noticed earlier did not feel oppressive at all—it felt like well-organized discipline. After the break, she was supposed to go to her department. Inspired by everything she had seen, she let her imagination wander: if the office itself was so orderly, perhaps the archive could become just as special a place.

  At the entrance to the cafeteria, she was met by an elderly woman—neatly dressed, wearing glasses, with a modern short haircut. She introduced herself as Arevik’s supervisor.

  “My name is Gayane. You may address me as Mrs. Gayane,” she said, examining Arevik from head to toe over the rim of her glasses.

  She seemed like a well-educated and experienced woman.

  “I think she doesn’t like me,” Arevik thought. “Or maybe this is just how senior employees treat young newcomers,” she tried to reassure herself.

  As they walked toward the archive, Mrs. Gayane explained the nature of the job.

  “Although this work may seem boring at first, it is extremely important. When serious issues arise, the documents stored in the archive often become invaluable.”

  As she spoke about her work, her eyes lit up, and that unexpected passion inspired Arevik. Gayane shared stories from the past—cases where proper archival management had played a crucial role, even if those events had taken place decades ago.

  Arevik’s thoughts drifted for a moment.

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  “My workplace is so far from the director’s office… Will we ever cross paths again, like we did in the waiting hall?”

  “Arevik, are you listening to me?”

  “Yes, of course,” she replied, slightly confused.

  Her thoughts about the director had pulled her away from reality, and she barely remembered the last few minutes of their walk.

  At last, they reached the archive department. It consisted of a small office area and a document storage room. In the office where Mrs. Gayane sat, there were two more women.

  “Meet Astghik and Hasmik. They are your colleagues,” Gayane said, gesturing toward them.

  They were about the same age as Gayane and, in a way, even resembled her. Seated at their computers, they were busy with their work and greeted Arevik only with brief nods.

  “This is our main office,” Gayane explained. “And now, let me show you the document storage area.”

  A few steps beyond the office door was a corridor that ended with another door. When it opened, an enormous space unfolded before Arevik—the archive itself. Shelves, folders, documents everywhere. It was clear that this part of the building needed renovation and proper organization. She realized she had long ignored this hidden side of the institution.

  When they returned to the office, Arevik was still under the impression of what she had seen. The office itself was neat but quite small for four people. She tried her best to appear friendly, though her uncertainty was obvious.

  “What am I supposed to do with these women?” the thought kept spinning in her head.

  “The desk and computer for you will be delivered tomorrow,” Gayane said. “Though I honestly have no idea how they’re going to fit everything in here.”

  After a brief silence, Arevik gathered her courage.

  “May I suggest something?” she said. “I could sit there,” she added, pointing toward the archive area. “I understand there isn’t much space here. I don’t mind working alone there at all.”

  “Really?” Gayane asked, surprised. “Please understand me correctly—I wouldn’t want you to feel bored being alone.”

  “No, actually, I like being alone,” Arevik replied. “It helps me focus better.”

  Gayane hesitated for a moment.

  “Well… if that’s truly what you want, your desk will be placed in the archive.”

  “I think that’s a good solution,” Arevik said, trying to sound confident as she smiled.

  Gayane smiled back, though a trace of doubt remained in her expression.

  “That will be all for today,” she said. “You may go home. Tomorrow morning at nine, come straight here.”

  “Very well, thank you very much. See you tomorrow.”

  “See you tomorrow,” Gayane replied, giving Arevik another curious look—she still didn’t quite understand her enthusiasm.

  But Arevik was happy. The thought of her new job warmed her from within. That evening, she went to bed filled with anticipation, as if tomorrow promised not just work, but the beginning of new adventures.