I was promoted after my colleague was made redundant

Dear Delyara, I received the promotion I wanted. The same restructure eliminated my colleague Anna’s role. We started together twelve years ago. She trained me on half the systems I now manage. Yesterday, she packed her desk while HR emailed congratulations about my “expanded responsibilities.” Some of those responsibilities were hers. She hugged me before leaving and said she was genuinely happy for me. I did not know where to put my eyes. My salary increases next month. Hers stops Friday. People keep saying I should not feel guilty because I did not make the decision. True. I also know management compared us for years. I worked late, took high-profile projects, made myself visible. Anna had caring responsibilities and often left exactly on time. The company now describes me as more strategic. I keep wondering whether strategic simply means I was available to build a career around work in ways her life did not permit. Tonight, my husband opened champagne. I drank one glass and could see Anna carrying a cardboard box to the lift.