“Morning!”
The greeting stills me at the office doorway. It is 8:30 in the morning. Maybe I am hallucinating, or the AC is haunted, the ghost of coworkers past calling out for release.
“Didn’t know you started so early,” the voice continues. I peer around the row of desks, wishing I had a crucifix to clutch, to guard me against the apparition waiting behind the bend. Dear spirits, I have only come to pay my respects.
Ami is here.
“Hi…” I acknowledge her existence. How did she get in so early? Don’t tell me she got her security pass already and this is how she abuses it. “You’re early,” I retort.
“Finally got my security pass, so I don’t have to wait for Bob to let me in.” Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner! Ami is not the door prize I wanted.
I nod but do not stop for further convers
