Masahiro had just been hired for his new job in Germany. Freshly graduated, he couldn't wait to start working in the field of microbiology. He stood in front of the main building of the pharmaceutical company, in a completely unfamiliar city, and a wave of anxiety rose inside him, freezing him in front of the door.
His heart was pounding in his chest, a mix of fear and hope tightening his throat. He wondered if he would ever be up to the task, if that dream he had nurtured for years would finally take shape. An inner voice reminded him of the long nights spent studying, the family sacrifices, and the very reason that had brought him here: the desire to change his life and leave a mark. He shook his head, coming back to reality. As usual, he had gotten lost in his dense flow of thoughts. He clenched his fists, gathered his courage, and started walking: finally, he stepped through the door.
He carried a small briefcase, not really necessary on the first day, but Masahiro had always been cautious and didn't like to be caught unprepared. Once inside, he was struck by a completely positive amazement: people in lab coats rushed from one laboratory to another, all busy with countless tasks: some carried long rows of test tubes, others pushed carts, and still others fetched sterile supplies to deliver.
The air was filled with the sharp smell of disinfectant, a mix of clean and chemical that made him wrinkle his nose. The quiet hum of machines and the rhythmic tapping of instruments filled the air like a constant, almost hypnotic background. The fluorescent light above cast a cold, impersonal glow, giving the place a surreal atmosphere.
From that first glance, Masahiro realized this was exactly where he belonged.
Amid the frenzy, he spotted a figure breaking through the busy atmosphere: a smiling girl calmly walking towards him.
"Hello, can I help you?" she asked in a welcoming tone, managing to calm Masahiro's agitation.
"Uhm… Hello! I… well… I'm the new guy… I'm supposed to start today," Masahiro stammered, feeling awkward. He scratched the back of his neck, but the girl's smile immediately put him at ease.
She laughed softly. "Of course, you're obviously Masahiro Kuni! I could tell by your lost look, you know?"
Lisa had bright eyes and a smile capable of warming even the coldest corners of that building. A lock of blond hair fell over her face, but she casually pushed it aside as she approached."On your first day, we're all a little lost," she said jokingly, "but don't worry, I'll guide you."
Masahiro replied in kind, returning her smile. "Did you recognize me by the lost look or my almond-shaped eyes? Be honest."
They both laughed.
"Follow me, Masahiro. I'm Lisa Weber, and I have a feeling you'll fit right in working here with us!"
Lisa began walking down the corridor, and Masahiro followed her, still a bit stiff but already more relaxed."
Just around here is the main lab, and right around the corner is the break room, where you can grab a coffee or escape the pressure,"
Lisa explained. Masahiro nodded, fascinated by that little world of activity and order.As they walked, Masahiro tripped slightly and nearly knocked over a stack of documents resting on a cart.
"Oh!" he exclaimed, blushing.
Lisa laughed. "No worries, I'll forgive you this time."
At one point, a colleague with a stern expression crossed Masahiro, eyeing him with obvious suspicion.
Lisa immediately intervened, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, that's our molecular biology expert, Professor Becker. He's a bit gruff, but deep down a good collaborator."
Masahiro gave a shy smile, grateful for the support.