“Sorry sir, but it’s not my fault, you know?”

So far, the main character comes across as quite detached, or maybe just numb to what’s happening. Which feels understandable given the situation; his mother has just died, and there’s no “right” way to react to that.

But this response to his employer made me pause. It almost feels like one of those moments where you automatically over-apologise, even when nothing is actually your fault. Like a reflex: “Sorry, sorry” before you even think about whether an apology is needed.

In that sense, it felt quite human to me. A bit like people-pleasing or trying to smooth things over, even in situations where there’s nothing to fix. At the same time, it also felt kind of sad, because it raises this idea of feeling like you have to justify taking time off for something as significant as a parent’s death, even though, of course, there’s nothing to justify.

The “it’s not my fault” part is also interesting. Because… well, it isn’t his fault. But I wonder if it also hints at some kind of discomfort or guilt underneath, even if it’s not clearly expressed yet.

Very interesting beginning overall. I’m definitely intrigued by the writing so far, but I’m not sure what to make of the main character yet!