Chapter 1

Tom and I have been at odds since childhood. Fate, it seems, has a cruel sense of humor, placing us in the same school from elementary through high school. Every major exam was a battle, with me gritting my teeth in frustration as I saw Tom's name above mine, securing the top spot in our grade. After a falling out, he went to Oxford University, and I went to Cambridge University. Upon returning with our degrees, Tom and I ended up working at the same company. Our desks were separated by just a hallway, our roles diametrically opposed; we usually worked on our own projects and hardly saw eye to eye.

As a Policy Advocate, I relished crafting innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Tom, meanwhile, was a Research Scientist, more concerned with precise data than big picture ideas. We were civil in our limited interactions, but the old rivalry still simmered under the surface.

One morning, I was typing furiously to meet a proposal deadline when Tom strolled up and casually dropped a stack of papers on my desk.

“Thought you could use some actual data to back up your policies,” he said with a sly grin.

I rolled my eyes. “How thoughtful, but I think I’ll stick to realistic proposals rather than pie-in-the-sky hypotheticals.”

“Well, let me know if you need help translating that policy-speak into something actionable,” Tom shot back.

Before I could retort, Simon, our supervisor, walked up enthusiastically. “Ah, our two star recruits! I’m thrilled you’re collaborating more.”

We both forced smiles. If only he knew.

One afternoon, Simon popped by to check on the community recycling proposal I was drafting. “Excellent work! I can tell you really poured your passion into this. Speaking of passion projects, Tom just submitted an impressive research plan on sustainable transportation models. You two make quite the dynamic duo!”

I simply smiled, not wanting to burst Simon’s bubble about Tom and I’s lingering rivalry. Still, I had to admit Tom’s proposal sounded intriguing, even if I’d never tell him that directly.

As I proofread my proposal, my mind kept drifting back to Tom’s plan. I told myself it was just professional curiosity, not a hint of admiration.

Later, as I grabbed my coat to head home, I noticed the light still on in Tom’s office. I paused by his door. “Working late?”

He looked up from his computer, blinking a few times as if to clear his focus. “Oh, hey. Just reviewing some case studies on bike commuting. Pretty fascinating stuff.”

Before I could stop myself, the words tumbled out. “Sounds interesting. Maybe I could take a look sometime, see if it gives me any ideas.”

Tom raised an eyebrow but looked pleased. “Sure, maybe over lunch tomorrow?”

I nodded, suddenly flustered. I hurried off before Tom could notice my flushed face. This was strictly professional, I told myself. But as I waited for the elevator, I couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for Tom’s work, even if I’d never admit it out loud. Perhaps this truce was the first step in finally settling our silly rivalry once and for all.