21 — Just a normal day… (?)

“You guys can continue to settle in appropriately. We will have a brief meeting at 03pm, so until then, study up on the project and make your own considerations, write down any ideas you have — I want to hear from each of you.” I say, receiving only a few quiet confirmations and nods.

Going to my desk, I take a deep breath, wanting to disappear behind the partition. But my new workstation forces me to face all the team members.

Taking a deep breath, I try to ignore the hostile stares that I know are on me, burning my skin. Especially Laura’s.

I glance at Sarah, the woman with medium-brown hair, so elegant, that seems to be a natural part of the corporate world. Behind the lenses of her glasses are sharp brown eyes, so severe that they appear to judge every inch of me. Sarah has been with the company for at least four years, and her commitment is simply enviable. There are even rumors that she will be promoted, and there's no doubt that she belongs in the management position. It's as i