Last day, Zero Hour
It's finally come down to it, the last day in my office. I look everything over for the last time. Computer cleaned out? Check. Drawers empty? Check. List of important tasks for replacement? Check. A few people stop by to say good-bye and vow to visit me in my new department. "We'll have lunch!" they all exclaim. It's an excruciatingly long day and I decide to call it quits at 4PM. I load up the few things I still have to cart home in one of those reusable, 'green' shopping bags. I just can't bear any more boxes. I stand in the middle of the office and announce, "Well, I guess this is it. I 'm outta' here." Everyone empties out of their cubicles and alcoves and comes and hugs me.
And then the inevitable happens. I just lose it. I don't mean I start just crying, I'm talking about chest-heaving-can't-catch-your-breath-bawling like a lost 3 year old at Wal-Mart. It was exactly what I didn't want to do, and I did it big time. My only slight satisfaction is that public displays of emotion like that are usually contagious, sort of like yawning. As I turned and walked out the door there were six, full grown women standing in the lobby of the office, sobbing. I had reduced them to mere puddles of their former selves.
"My work here is done," I said to myself under my breath.
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6 comments:
You could have exited quietly or with some drama. I kind of like the dramatic ending. I hope you went somewhere and had a few drinks.
Thankfully, there were more drinks than drama!
"My work here is done." I love it.
I think a career as a writer awaits you - great post. I'm a bit misty-eyed myself!
Aw - HUGS! See, it's moments like this which is why God created alcohol. LOL!!!
This happens to me too :( I always bust out with the big time tears when I get laid off. I hate it so much. I notice I never cry when I leave one job because of another job. Figures.
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