Tinted Glass Elevator

Dear Diary,

I’m sorry to report there was another bad day at the office. Yes, I know it’s only my second day. Yes, I know I shouldn’t be so negative. Yes, I know I shouldn’t have arguments with myself in the form of a journal. Can I get on with my story now?

So I get out of the cab and walk into the lobby. I have it on good authority that they cleared all of the carbon monoxide out from yesterday, so I’m feeling much more confident that I won’t immediately pass out like I did last time. I check my watch – a little bit later than I’d like, but still quite early.

All good, all fine.

I make polite chit-chat with the lady making coffee. She’s nice enough, getting a law degree at night and looking after her brother’s cat at the moment. All of a sudden, I’m very, very late, and I hurriedly say goodbye.

I zoom back up in the elevator, once again finding myself impressed by the high quality office decorative glass. Melbourne is stretched out past the glass, gleaming in the morning sun. Still waiting for my vision to start to black out again, I take a tentative step out onto my floor. I’m met and immediately whisked away by a stern-looking woman in a sharp dress. She explains to me where I’ll be sitting, and what my job will be.

I thank her for her time, but she doesn’t seem to notice or care.

I sigh and lean back in my chair once she’s gone, having immediately forgotten everything she taught me. Melbourne catches my eye again, bright spots of sun-lit metal poking into the sky. How do they apply office window tinting?, I wonder, not for the first time. The thought doesn’t last for long.

I hear my name being called and snap to attention. A different man slides out of his seat and rushes over to the caller. They talk in hushed tones as they head for the elevator.

Same name, then, I think.

The day grinds on very, very slowly.