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“Stop what?”
My coworker, Janine popped her head from our shared wall.
“Oh, I was just talking to myself. One of those days.”
I grimaced at her and she returned the smile reluctantly.
My gaze flicked back to the email from my boss requesting a meeting at three. My heart pounded.
What does she want to talk about?
I knew what it would be about. Lately, my job performance wasn’t at its best. She sent my designs back multiple times, telling me they lacked inspiration. They were too derivative.
She will probably talk about it.
I made the finishing touches on my tablet and sent the graphic to her, hoping that she would find it acceptable. Two fifty-five.
Might as well walk over there.
There was someone already in her office; I could see their bodies behind the frosted glass. The door flung open and Mark, one of my colleagues, sped outwithout a backward glance. I closed my hands to relieve some of the coldness and opened my boss’ door.
Mary waved me in from behind her desk, looking uncharacteristically serious.
Uh-oh. Does she hate my last design?
“Hello, Natalie. Have a seat.”
I sat down painfully.
“Natalie, as you know the aquarium has been experiencing declining profits.”
This was my cue to nod, but I couldn’t move.
Oh God. Am I being fired?
“Our department’s budget has been cut. I’m really sorry, but we’re going to have to let you go.”
I am being fired.
Why?
A horrible emptiness gaped in my chest. “Why me? I’ve been here way longer than Carrie and Janine.”
“You’ve lost your edge. You’re frequently late and you don’t pay attention in meetings. I can’t use anything you send me.”
I couldn’t find the words—my world was falling apart. My voice stumbled to salvage my job.
“I’ll redo the design right away—”
“Natalie.”
“I promise I can get the work done. I just need another chance!”
“Natalie, I can’t give you another chance. We don’t have the budget, and that means I have to make difficult decisions like letting someone go.”
A little of anger ground into my voice. “And that someone had to be me?”
Her face creased. “I’m sorry. I would keep you, but we don’t have the budget.”
