Five years ago, I was standing in the middle of my new apartment. Boxes everywhere.
I had just moved because I found a little pup under a tree, soaking wet and crying like a telenovela extra. My old apartment didn’t allow pets.
I rescued him and named him Oishi. My badoodle. He’s cute, but also weird—he refuses to take off the red bandana I put on him, and don’t even get me started on his glasses. But they look good on him, so they stay.
I was happy. Hopeful. This felt like the start of good things finally unfolding.
As I unpacked, I noticed something outside. The postbox was… glowing. My heart did little cartwheels. I scooped Oishi up and whispered, “Maybe there’s a Keanu Reeves out there, like The Lake House, sending me a letter.”
I nearly tripped rushing out.
When I reached the postbox, I prayed:
“Please, God, a letter from my future husband.”
It kept glowing. We just stood there—me and my badoodle—staring at it.
Oishi Narrating – Present
Badoodle? Where are you? Come hug me.
I’m drained. My ears are bleeding from Susan’s dramatics these past weeks.
She keeps asking: “Oishi, is this life? Is this it? We wake up, work, sleep, repeat?”
We still walk in the park, sneak into cinemas, eat siopao at 2 AM, binge The Detective Agency.
But she only sees the routine.
I, Oishi, am actually content.
Then she starts telling me her dreams, like I can make them happen:
“I want to travel, Oishi. Imagine us on a desert safari in Dubai, swimming in the Maldives, watching a Phnom Penh sunset. Snow! Or a coffee shop in Paris where a handsome stranger asks, ‘Is this seat taken?’”
I bark to snap her out of her delusion… but then I notice her teary eyes, wide with longing — like a ten-year-old begging for ice cream before dinner.
I walk over and rest my face on her lap. She hugs me tight.
“I’m so glad I found you,” she whispers. “Remember that day, badoodle?”
Tears slide down her cheeks. “I’m tired, Oishi. It feels like I’m just working to live another day. I have friends, but I have longings too.”
Susan is a lot, but she keeps showing up. I admire that.
Then she stands up, grabs pen and paper.
“I’m writing a letter to my past self—to remind her not to give up.”
She still believes that glowing postbox has magic. So do I.
Susan’s Letter to Her Past Self
To my ever‑dramatic, ever‑beautiful self:
Life will happen. You’ll hurt and you’ll hurt others, even unintentionally.
You’ll stumble and fall. You’ll feel stuck even when you give your best.
You’ll be afraid. Depressed. Anxious.
Longing will hit deep.
One day you’ll say you’ve had enough.
But know this: We. Don’t. Give. Up.
When you’re down, remember your blessings: Oishi, your walks in the park, family, friends.
You can’t travel yet, but you can explore new recipes, try new things, live life while waiting for dreams to come true.
Most of all, remember:
God is with us.
With us when our minds spiral like spaghetti.
With us when pillows are soaked with tears.
With us when we laugh at midnight siopao.
Life isn’t all bad. Learn to count your blessings and work your dreams with God.
Love, Me ❤️.
Susan folds the letter. We walk outside. The postbox glows again.
She breathes—inhale, exhale, like she’s been practicing.
As she extends her arm to drop the letter, an eagle swoops down and snatches it.
We stand there, jaws dropped.
Then she scoops me up: “Badoodle, let’s go to Boyo.”
Poor Boyo. He’ll hear the whole story.
Later, as we’re about to sleep, I see her kneeling with tears in her eyes.
And I know God is listening.
She stays there quietly kneeling, her back slightly hunched as if the weight of everything is finally being offered up.
And I stay close, like I always do. No barking. No judgment. Just stillness.
The night doesn’t answer her out loud.
But the stars don’t leave.
The breeze doesn’t rush.
And somehow, in all the silence,
I feel it too
a presence bigger than pain,
a peace deeper than the questions.
She stands up slowly and wipes her eyes.
Then smiles at me, the real kind.
Like maybe she doesn’t have it all figured out
but she remembered she’s not alone.
We head back inside.
And as she locks the door, she whispers:
“Maybe tomorrow will still be messy… but I think we’re going to be okay.”
Writer’s Note 🐶📓
We’ve all longed like Susan.
We’ve all been hurt, anxious, depressed, stuck, lost.
We ask ourselves: “Is this it? Is this life?”
We chase what we don’t have, live in a future that hasn’t come, or a past that won’t return.
This is your reminder—like Susan’s letter—that no matter what happens:
We don’t give up.
We keep pressing forward.
We keep believing that Someone loves us enough to give His life for us ❤️.
“This one’s special. It’s about longing, dreams and the furball who made real life better than fantasy”
Susan (narrating)
“Boss, I need your signature here.”
“Boss, what’s our marketing strategy for the judgmental side-eyeing Shih Tzu?”
“Boss, the episode ‘Two Brains, One Dog, and Zero Life Plans’ is up by 213 percent — the viewers love it!”
“Boss, what’s our agenda for today?”
My office is on the top floor of Ventura Co. It’s big — clean, minimalist, beautiful. I can write in peace with no distractions. I’m the Marketing VP / Director / Editor of Ventura Co., and the creator of two hit shows: The Detective Agency and Tina & Pochi.
Tina is a dramatic woman who eats her feelings. Pochi is her judgmental dog.
My favorite’s the latter.
There’s something about that story I keep coming back to. Something about him.
Despite everything I have — the career, the success, the big apartment, the attractive face and body, even a handsome boyfriend — I go home every night and feel… empty. Incomplete. Like I’m living someone else’s life.
But when I write about Tina and Pochi?
I feel whole.
Because Pochi loves Tina. He’s loyal. And somewhere deep down, I think I’m trying to write a life I missed.
Tonight, I called my boyfriend.
“Cinema?” I asked.
“Busy,” he said, headset on, playing whatever with his friends.
At least Pochi is always with Tina.
And here I am again. Alone. Quiet.
Empty.
Oishi (narrating)
I woke up and looked around. Two dogs were snoring beside me. My parents, apparently.
I always forget their names.
Ah, yes. Mustard and Ketchup.
Mom and Dad.
But there’s one name I keep forgetting — the one that matters.
It starts with an “S.”
Anyway, the usual: walk around the park, sniff some tails, hang out with my barksties.
It’s… fine. Fun, I guess.
But something’s off.
I don’t like sniffing other dogs’ butts. There. I said it.
And I love my parents, I really do…
But I feel like I’m supposed to be somewhere else. With someone else.
Sometimes I dream I’m wearing glasses.
Sometimes I feel naked without a red scarf.
Sometimes I wake up with the feeling of being scooped — carried, kissed, bathed (ugh).
And there’s this hooman voice in my head — loud, weird, kinda goat-like when she sings.
I miss her.
Even if I’ve never met her.
Yet.
Somewhere in Their Dreams — A Prayer
Susan (in dream narration): Lord, I am living a good life. Everything looks perfect. I’m at the top of my game. I have a job, a name, even a man…
But I feel lonely. And empty. Can You send me someone who stays? Someone loyal. Soft. Who looks at me like I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to him — and let me do the same?
Oishi (in doggo prayer): God and Mighty Paw, Thank you for park and food and tail sniffs.
But I miss someone. Someone who scooped me. Who put on my glasses and red scarf. Who sang weird songs and kissed my head.
Can You send me my hooman? The loud one with a goat voice. I promise to love her forever — and maybe let her win tug-of-war… sometimes.
Some prayers don’t need words. Only hearts that ache in the same direction.
The Park – Collision Point
I was lost in thought when I saw her.
A woman. Beautiful. Hair tied up in a bun. Sitting on a park bench, crying.
Something inside me sparked.
I ran toward her.
She looked at me like she knew me.
She scooped me up, still crying — and I was crying too.
She held me close.
I rested my head on her shoulder.
She wiped my tears, put glasses on me, tied her red scarf around my neck.
And she whispered,
“I got you, buddy.”
Right then and there…
I felt complete.
Susan (narrating)
I heard knocking.
“Susan! It’s raining — your clothes are getting soaked! Get out of there!”
It was Boyo.
But I couldn’t move.
I was still crying.
And I swear… I heard Oishi crying too. A soft badoddle whimper from his bed.
I sat up.
We were both in tears.
Oishi jumped onto the bed and wrapped his little paws around me.
I held him tight.
“I had a dream, Badoodle,” I whispered.
“I was stunning. A literal commercial model. I had a big office, a big job, a boyfriend —”
Hair flip. Hair flip.
“—but you weren’t there.”
And suddenly, my voice cracked.
My smile faded.
Tears again.
“I don’t want that life, Oishi.
I don’t care if I’m successful.
I’d be happy for a while, sure —
But not for long.
Because you wouldn’t be in it.”
I scooped him up again, kissed his furry head.
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Except for the boyfriend part.”
Oishi side-eyed me.
I laughed through my tears.
“You’re loyal, and you’re stuck with me. Got that, Badoodle?”
Back to Reality
Boyo barged in, dripping wet, holding my clothes — and my undies.
“BOYO!” I shrieked, throwing a pillow at his face.
And then — chaos in the living room.
Oishi.
EATING MY DIPLOMA.
“OISHIIIIII! NOT THE DIPLOMAAA!”
I ran after him with a slipper.
And there we were:
Me yelling, Boyo confused and holding my underwear, Oishi running in circles with a piece of paper in his mouth. .
And I knew.
I didn’t need to be that boss lady from my dream to feel loved.
I didn’t need a high-rise office or a high-heeled life.
I already have it.
Right here.
In this loud, messy, slightly insane apartment.
With my dog, my maybe-boyfriend, and my diploma in shreds.
This is home.
And I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
I just need my dog. My story. My real, ridiculous life.
✨ End Scene. Roll credits. Cue goat-voiced rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”
Narrator: Oishi (Reluctant. Tired. Overqualified for this nonsense.)
Oishi (narrating): I don’t want to do this, but apparently, I’m the designated narrator of this madness—so here we are.
I’m surrounded. Literally. To my left: Sahsmi, an orange Chihuahua with eyes big enough to reflect existential dread. On the rug: Bibimbap, our baby green elephant with the emotional intelligence of a therapist. Next to him, reclining like a celebrity scandal: Tteokbokki, the baby monkey—mid-burger, always. Staring from the aquarium with judgey bubbles: Maeutang, the fish. And stretching out in full drama-pony glory: Bulgogi, the baby blue horse who thinks he’s majestic. He is. He’s also clumsy but he’s not on the picture yet.
Anyway. The past few days, Sus—my melodramatic, overcaffeinated hooman—has been coming home from work absolutely buzzing with chaos. She bursts through the door, scoops me up like I’m a purse dog, pins me under her arm, and says:
“Oishi, my badoodle—I have a juicy scoop for you!”
Then she monologues. For hours. Through dinner. Through dessert. Through my will to live.
But I love Sus. So even if her voice pierces my eardrums like a kazoo powered by drama, I listen. Because love is patient. And she has the snacks.
That said—my emotional support battery is draining faster than her phone at 3%. So each morning, when she leaves for work, I call my friends here and unload the tales before I emotionally combust. This, dear listener, is our ritual. And yes—there’s always a lesson, brought to you by yours truly: Oishi, your neighborhood PhilosoFurr.
There are 11 coworkers—and one very dramatic hooman.
Meet the team behind the drama. And the abs behind the confusion.
There’s ten of them. Yes, 12 if you will count my Sus. So don’t fall asleep on me—I know it’s a lot, but trust me, they’re all important. Every single one of these characters is either a blessing, a lesson… or a cautionary tale wearing business casual.
So listen up. Grab a fry. Let’s begin.
Character 1: Susan V. – The Exaggerated Princess
Susan V. is what happens when espresso, glitter, and unchecked emotions form a union. She’s in Customer Service but believes she’s in a high-stakes drama. Her morning mood is sponsored by “don’t talk to me,” and by dinner she’s dramatically whispering secrets into my ear like I’m her furry therapist.
She calls me her badoodle, scoops me up like I’m a plush toy, and unleashes daily monologues that rival Netflix dramas. She wears shirts that say “Exaggerated Princess” because truth in labeling is important.
But hey—she’s loyal, loud, and loves hard. So even if my ears suffer emotional damage, I listen. Because I love her.
Character 2: Yohanes Abimbola – Gossip Analyst
Yohanes isn’t technically paid to know everything—but he does. He doesn’t spread gossip to hurt. He spreads it because he’s got a talent for “informative observation with jazz hands.”
His eyes sparkle with curiosity. His tone? Pure brunch gossip. He’s like the Wi-Fi of workplace drama—always on, mostly harmless.
He wears mint green, pumpkin orange, and positivity. Even when he delivers eyebrow-raising intel, it’s with a smile that says,
“I come in peace… but with details.”
We love him. Even when we pretend we don’t.
Character 3: Horatio T. – The HR Memo Monk
Horatio T. is the kind of guy who walked into HR one day and never left. Not physically. Not spiritually.
He’s got reddish-brown hair, thin-framed glasses, and a beige checkered suit so aggressively neutral it could erase your personality by eye contact alone. His tie? Pumpkin orange. Not because he’s fun. Because it’s mandatory brand compliance.
He doesn’t talk—he issues memos. He doesn’t walk—he stomps silently, like a disappointed librarian.
But here’s the twist: Deep, deep down in that spreadsheet-shaped soul… he has a heart. He’s helped employees file insurance claims like they were personal quests. He’s just trying to keep us from setting the place on fire—with rules.
We call him the Memo Monk because if enlightenment had a PowerPoint, he would’ve written it.
Character 4: Brenda Mondragon – The Voice of Reason
Brenda is the reason this workplace hasn’t collapsed into a flaming pit of passive aggression and bad decisions.
She’s 5’6″ of calm, moisturized authority. Her hair? Long, curly, hydrated. Her skin? Watered like a houseplant that knows its worth. She wears a calm green outfit paired with a delicate star pendant, like a walking parable with a good skincare routine. And her white sneakers? Spotless. Like her reputation.
Brenda is the only one who can:
Shush Yohanes mid-scoop.
Block Susan from eating a dozen donuts.
And disarm Horatio with a perfectly timed “Thank you for the memo, Horatio. We’ll take it into prayer.”
She doesn’t say much—but when she does? It’s with biblical judgment and motherly precision.
And rumor has it—she’s inviting Susan to church.
Brenda doesn’t chase drama. Drama knocks and Brenda answers with a raised brow and a scripture.
Character 5: Pete Erickson – The Number Snitch
He’s pale. He’s nervous. He clutches his calculator like it’s the last loaf of bread in a zombie apocalypse. His glasses are thick enough to see into next fiscal year. He dresses like someone who gets mad when people use the color ink in the printer. (Because he does.)
Pete’s superpower? Making everyone remember their taxes… in January.
“Don’t forget to file your W-2.”
He once tripped over a paperclip and filed an incident report… on himself.
But here’s the thing: Pete means well. He’s just… Pete. He’s the human version of a paper jam. Awkward, unavoidable, and kind of tragic. But he keeps us legal. Barely.
So we nod. We thank him. And we keep our receipts—just in case.
Character 6: Macchismo D. – The Sales Adonis
According to Susan, Macchismo is “so hot, volcanoes feel self-concious.” Her pupils turn into tiny cartoon hearts every time she talks about him. It’s deeply concerning.
Macchismo D. works in Sales, but let’s be honest—he sells himself just by walking into a room. He’s tall, muscular, and his raven-dark hair is so flawless. His smile sparkles. Literally. I suspect teeth glitter. Still investigating.
He wears light blue polos like a superhero costume, and he says things like,
“Let’s close this deal, team!” with the exact tone of someone who thinks that’s how you get promoted.
People love him. People trust him. And honestly? That might be the real danger.
He works under Jezzie Bell, who seems to have a lipstick-shaped leash on him. But hey, I’m just the dog. What do I know?
For now, let’s just say this: Macchismo D. is dazzling.
Character 7: Dinah Montgomery – The Gossip Queen
If Yohanes is the office sparkle of harmless scoop, Dinah is the cold-brew version—strong, bitter, and served with no remorse.
She walks in like she owns the building’s secrets. Black hair sleek as betrayal, snarky eyes, and glasses that serve zero optical purpose but scream “I see everything.” Her dark brown lipstick says “professional,” but her tone says “you’re about to get emotionally audited.”
Dinah doesn’t just spill tea—she serves it pre-scorched. She’s not loud, but when she talks, people lean in… or leave. Because if Dinah says:
“I saw Pete at the store,” you know she’s about to follow it up with something like: “…and the woman he was with wasn’t wearing a ring. Just saying.”
She doesn’t ask questions—she plants landmines.
Nobody really likes Dinah. But nobody wants to be on her radar either. Because if she doesn’t know your dirt… she’ll make some for you.
Character 8: Jezzie Bell Morgan – The Corporate Siren
Jezzie Bell Morgan doesn’t walk. She glides. Like a well-funded lawsuit in designer heels.
Her red hair? Volcanic. Her lipstick? Same color as danger. Her vibe? “Sign here, sweetheart, and lose your soul in quarterly installments.”
She’s the manager of the Sales department, which basically makes her the queen of convincing people to do things they’ll regret and thank her for afterward. She commands with a smile that says:
“I already know what you’re going to say, and I’ve planned five responses, three bribes, and one perfectly timed sigh.”
Jezzie doesn’t need to raise her voice. She just tilts her head and suddenly Macchismo is nodding like a bobblehead in a sauna.
Her earrings sparkle. Her fingernails point like accusations. And when she says “trust me,” your instincts scream no—but your career prospects whisper yes.
No one’s sure what she wants. But they know not to get in her way.
Character 9: Philip Vaughn – The Office White Knight
Most people in the office don’t pay much attention to Philip Vaughn. He’s listed as Internal Ops Assistant, which is corporate speak for “does everything quietly and without applause.”
He doesn’t talk much. He doesn’t insert himself in gossip. He just shows up—early, focused, clean notebook, clean shirt, eyes like he’s reading your soul and your Google search history.
But here’s the part no one really gets: When things go wrong—when Jezzie’s manipulating, Dinah’s detonating, and Macchismo is flexing his moral confusion— Philip steps in. Not loudly. Not dramatically. He just does the right thing like it’s muscle memory.
Word around the breakroom is he’s a war veteran, which makes sense. He’s calm in chaos. Gentle with people. But firm when boundaries are crossed.
He’s got white knight energy—the kind that doesn’t ask for credit. The kind that protects without performance. The kind that doesn’t bow to office power games or ego theatrics.
You’ll probably overlook him. But he’s watching. And if you’re one of the good ones? He’s already in your corner.
Character 10: Jasper P. – The Intern Who Spills Coffee and Feelings
Jasper P. is the intern. You’ll know it the second you meet him—partly because he’ll tell you, and partly because he’ll already be apologizing for something.
He’s got long-ish curly hair, permanently startled eyes, and the overall energy of someone who’s late for a meeting that doesn’t exist.
He talks like a rapper who’s been hit with a mild anxiety attack:
“Yo, yo, my bad, my fault, I was gonna fix that spreadsheet but then I spilled my latte and—uh—Pete slipped on it but he’s fine I think, and also the printer’s making a weird noise?”
Jasper spills coffee, tea, water, information, and vibes. But he means well. And that’s the part that matters.
And every time he spills something (which is… often), Ishmael appears—quietly, mop in hand. Never scolds. Never sighs. Just cleans up.
Jasper may be clumsy. But he’s trying. And that makes him important. Not because he’s perfect—but because he wants to be better.
Character 11: Ishmael – The Janitor With a Mysterious Calm
Ishmael is… different. He doesn’t say much. He doesn’t need to.
He wears an old janitor uniform, faded and clean. Silver hair, quiet eyes, and a beard that says “I’ve seen things, but I’ve forgiven most of them.”
He’s always there. Not in a creepy way—more in a divine timing, slow-motion mop-wielding kind of way.
Someone spills coffee? Ishmael’s already halfway there. Printer explodes? Ishmael’s got a wrench, a rag, and a quote from Proverbs. Jezzie tries to verbally flatten a coworker? Ishmael makes eye contact once, and she forgets her next sentence.
People treat him like just a janitor. But those of us who watch—we know. There’s something about him that feels bigger.
He moves like a man with nothing to prove and everything to teach—if you’re paying attention.
They call him Ishmael the Janitor. But honestly? We don’t know who he really is. Not yet.
And that’s the crew.
Now you know who’s who. So when the drama starts—you won’t get lost.
The real office saga begins in Episode 2. See You! 📡 Totally Made-Up Company Alert:The Signal Co.: Not your internet provider — but we will disconnect your emotional stability. We don’t sell broadband. We sell breakdowns.