Our store was always a decent place to work. All the employees knew each other, and the companionship made up for the low pay. Then arrived Veronica, the new manager.

She was a nuisance, constantly shouting commands, never expressing kindness, and relishing in tearing people apart. Most of us learned to hide and escape her fury. But when she dismissed Lisa, one of the loveliest and hardest-working saleswomen, for accidentally nodding off after working back-to-back shifts, I couldn’t stay silent.

“Hey, that’s not right,” I exclaimed, stepping closer as Lisa frantically grabbed her belongings.

Veronica gave me a chilly stare. “And who do you think you are, old man?”

“It’s just the janitor,” I calmly responded, “but I recognize unfairness when I see it.” She has exhausted herself, so why are you firing her instead of giving her a break?

Her smile deepened, and I could see she was having fun. “Do you want to join her, old man?” “Because I can make it happen.”

“You do whatever you have to,” I answered, my voice firm.

“Fine. You’re fired.” Pack your belongings and leave my store.”

I departed without saying anything else. I’d worked there for over 15 years, and while I liked the job, I wasn’t going to allow someone like Veronica to push me about.

The following day, I was still unsure of what to do when my phone rang. It was Veronica.

“Listen,” she said, her voice shaking. “I may have acted rashly yesterday. We’re currently short-staffed, and I need you back. Please.”

I was astonished. The same woman who dismissed me so smugly was now *begging* me to come back. I didn’t know whether to laugh or hang up.

“Let me think about it,” I answered before hanging up.

Curiosity got the better of me, so I stopped by the business to check what was going on. Upon entering, I noticed a strained mood and a tense atmosphere among the personnel. Veronica was pacing behind the counter, appearing frantic.

Then I noticed Mr. Reynolds, the business owner, standing at the rear. He spotted me and motioned me over.

“Frank, there you are!” he exclaimed enthusiastically. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Mr. Reynolds chuckled and lowered his voice. “Well, after you departed, I had a dozen calls from customers and employees regarding Veronica’s conduct. It turns out that Veronica’s actions have been causing dissatisfaction among everyone, and your termination was the final blow. So I paid a small visit.”

He nodded at Veronica, who appeared to be on the point of tears.

I cautioned her that maintaining her job would require her to improve her behavior, starting with an apology to both you and Lisa. She is also reporting to *you* now.”

I blinked. “Me?”

“That’s right,” Mr. Reynolds remarked, slapping my shoulder. “Frank, you aren’t just the janitor anymore. You are the new operations manager. If Veronica does not shape up, you will be responsible for finding a substitute.

I couldn’t stop smiling as I walked back to the front of the business. Veronica’s face became white as she saw me.

“Welcome back, Frank,” she murmured with clenched teeth.

I tipped my cap. “Good to be back… *boss*.”

Veronica was much less pompous after that—and much more courteous. As for me, I discovered that standing up for what is right sometimes results in unexpected rewards.