You're Fired

I got to the office early, as I usually did, though not as early as I had planned. A few people were already there. I smiled and waved, bringing back the old Mina, the one they all remembered. They greeted me back, but behind their tight, sarcastic smiles, I could see the judgment.

They thought they knew everything, just because they had read a few articles about me in some magazines online. I took it in stride and walked into my office, shutting the door behind me.

I started working on a document I had been working on before my leave. At exactly 8 o'clock, Eric walked in. His presence was unmistakable, and I could feel the air get charged immediately. I smiled brightly, expecting him to throw his first punch. He walked in with an air of confidence, his smile too big, too wide, too smug.

There was a look in his eyes, one of triumph, that immediately put me on alert. He had something up his sleeve.

"Good morning, Eric. How may I help you?" I asked, keeping my voice professional, supp