Paradise

"Coffee equals energy" was the thought that went through RB's mind as he walked down a row of cubicles.  It was an early Tuesday morning but it was RB's Monday since he did some charity work for the company on Monday.  RB stood for Robert Baxter.  A friend in grade school started calling him RB and it stuck with him ever since. 

RB felt good about his participation the previous day.  The company started a charity for employees who find themselves in unexpected financial situations.  For instance, the husband of an employee from another department died. Shortly thereafter, this woman, who was nearing retirement, was having trouble financially and her power was shut off.  This new charity was able to get the power on that day, get her utilities up to date and put some groceries in the refrigerator.  Who wouldn't want to be part of something like that, RB thought?  We are taking care of our own.

He turned a corner and walked into his office.  The light was illuminated on his phone so he knew he had at least one voice mail.  RB turned the light on, sat down, and started the computer.  He contemplated starting the coffee right away but decided to listen to his voice mails first. 

He mindlessly tapped in the numbers on the phone keypad and got paper and pen ready.  The message said, "Yes, Mr. Baxter I'm sorry you aren't there to take my call.  What are you doing when you should be at the office?  I suppose you are too good to take care of customers on a Monday.  Let me tell you that I am not a happy customer and you not being there doesn't make me any happier.  Call me back 555 555 5555 if you dare." 

A bit of anger and nervousness welled up in RB's stomach.  What do you say to someone like this?  "You want me to call you back you prick?  I'll call you a prick.  How do you like that, jackass?  God, when am I ever going to get out of this place?"

RB had worked in customer service for several years and he was tired of it.  His personality was one that wished to avoid conflict.  He originally decided to take the job believing it was a stepping stone to something better.  That's what he was told at the time.  It was a good stepping stone and he should only be there a year or two.  Now, nearly 9 years later, there he still was.  A profound weariness and sadness shadowed his heart.  8 hours a day, 5 days a week of negativity wore down his soul but no other jobs were to be found.  He truly believed in his heart that dying or retiring would be the only way to leave that job since he didn't want to leave the company.  Though he felt stuck he resolved in his heart to make it through another day.  

"Another day in paradise." he grumbled.