A New Story: Are You Okay?

Once the rage cooled, Marsha considered going home rather than to the office.  Then she realized going home would only remind her that Bob was gone.  She wanted, she needed the distraction from her misery if only for a few hours.  After arriving at the office, Marsha was pleased to see an open parking space close to the building.  She mused things must finally be turning around.  She smiled.

After entering her office, turning on her lamp and computer she sat down and mentally ran through items to complete that day.  Pulling her mug from the drawer, Marsha headed to the coffee machine.  Imagine her surprise to see the Keurig was already on and the water warmed up.  Someone must have recently made a cup of coffee.  Also, the whole break room was clean.  She said aloud, “Well it looks like my note made some pigs realize we all work here.” 

Marsha was pleased with herself and the sign she posted a few weeks ago.  For a few moments she forgot about Bob leaving her and taking all the money.  She forgot about the card she took from Julie’s office.  It was going to be a good day.

Two hours later, she received a call from her manager asking her to come to his office.  His voice gave no hint of the reason for the request.  Still, it wasn’t something he normally did.  Nonetheless, she went straight to his office.  Once there, she sat in one of the two chairs across the desk from him.  He started calmly but his anger grew as he spoke. 

He pointed out the error she made the previous evening and berated her for such stupidity.  Marsha’s face reddened as she remembered being rattled by Anita before completing the project.  It was an honest mistake and Marsha politely apologized.  This seemed to disarm him.  Marsha had the distinct feeling he was ready to continue arguing the point.  Once he heard the apology, he was silent for a moment as if lost in thought.  Finally, he said, “Apology accepted.” 

Marsha returned to her cubicle upset.  She heard voices reminding her of shortcomings in her life and how she would not measure up.  She thought of Bob leaving her.  Divorce seemed inevitable now and she would be the first in her family to have this distinction.  The thought brought tears to her eyes and she increased her pace back to her office.  As she collapsed into her chair, Marsha bit her lip to as a last ditch effort the dam up her tears.

Fear kept her from crying again.  Once she started, Marsh felt she wouldn’t stop.  Her emotions were raw and her nerves frayed.  So much had been thrown at her in a short time frame.  Marsha’s heart could handle no more.  She had to put her attention on something other than recent events or her own insecurities.  She looked at her computer and just began to shift focus when there was a knock at the entrance of her cubicle. 

The urge to run and hide was overwhelming but by reflex, Marsha looked into her mirror to see Julie standing at the entrance to her cubicle.  Julie saw Marsha’s eyes reflected in the mirror and instantly recognized the anguish.  Julie asked, “Are you okay?”