GREEN STATUS

THE DESK IN THE CORNER

The HR office was small, windowless, and smelled like old paper.

Elma sat across from a tired-looking man who barely glanced at her. He stamped papers, slid them across the desk, and spoke without looking up.

Sign here. Here. And here. You start in the admin department, floor 12. Desk 47. It’s in the corner. Don’t be late.

Elma signed, her hand still shaking from what just happened downstairs.

Floor 12. Desk 47. Corner.

She repeated it in her head like a prayer.

When she stepped out of the elevator on floor 12, the difference hit her immediately.

This wasn’t the polished lobby. The walls were gray, the carpet worn thin, and the air smelled like stale coffee. People sat at desks crammed together, typing fast, speaking low. This was where Hayes Corp put the people they didn’t see.

Desk 47 was exactly where he said it would be. In the corner, under a flickering light, half-hidden behind a filing cabinet.

A small victory. She had a desk.

A woman with tired eyes and a messy bun looked up from the desk next to her.

You must be the new one, she said. I’m Linda. Don’t mind the light. Maintenance said they’d fix it three months ago.

Elma managed a small smile. Elma Okonkwo. Nice to meet you.

Linda nodded. Listen, kid. Joseph called down here ten minutes ago. Told everyone you’re trouble. If you want to keep this job, keep your head down. Do your work. Don’t talk to anyone important.

Elma’s chest tightened. So it had already started.

I’ll keep that in mind, she said quietly.

Linda studied her for a second, then softened slightly. You don’t look like trouble to me. But trouble follows people like you. Just be careful.

Before Elma could answer, a voice cut through the room.

Okonkwo. My office. Now.

It was Catherine. Standing in the doorway, arms crossed, face unreadable.

Linda winced. Good luck.

Elma stood up, legs shaky, and followed Catherine through the maze of desks.

Catherine’s office was on the other side of the floor. Glass walls, city view, expensive everything.

Sit, Catherine said, pointing to a chair.

Elma sat.

You think getting Nathan on your side changes anything? Catherine said without preamble. You’re still Joseph’s niece. You’re still a liar.

I’m not a liar, Elma said, voice low but steady. And I’m not here to fight you.

No, Catherine said, leaning forward. You’re here to ruin us. I know people like you. You come in quiet, you play the victim, and then you start digging.

Elma met her eyes. If digging means finding the truth, then yes. I will.

Catherine stood up. Get out. And remember, Okonkwo. In this building, I decide who stays and who goes.

Elma stood up and walked out without another word.

Back at desk 47, Linda was watching her.

How bad? she asked.

Elma set her bag down and opened the drawer. Empty. Except for a single sticky note.

Welcome to hell.

No signature.

Elma crumpled it and tossed it in the trash.

Let them try.