Don't Tell Me What to Do by Dina Del Bucchia

Author:Dina Del Bucchia
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781551527024
Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press
Published: 2017-09-26T04:00:00+00:00

“What we experienced last week was the very definition of thoughtlessness.” Lisa has gathered them in the conference room to discuss the balloon incident.

Pamela can hear people whispering Kristen’s name, can’t quite make out what they are saying about her, if she’s in the hospital, out of the hospital. Pamela had taken a few days off after her trip to the hospital. She rarely took vacations, often stayed late or arrived early, and had more days owed to her than anyone else on staff. It’s her first day back since, and she hasn’t checked her emails, heard any word about how Kristen is doing. Her now useless gift for Kristen, nailed and glue-gunned to perfection, is still sitting on Pamela’s craft table at home.

“The health and safety committee will be creating a new handbook. There are many small violations and safety concerns that they will be taking seriously as they implement changes and create a better work environment. As well, they are looking for new members. The original team was only two members, and one of them was Kristen. Min has recently joined and has taken on the task of recruiting.” Lisa points at Min, who flashes a goofy smile and waves her hand like a beauty queen.

Min and Joanna sit in front of the flower wall on the opposite side of the room from Pamela. Since the installation, the conference room has smelled of dead flowers, and she can see how many plants need to be picked or pruned. As if they can read her thoughts, Min and Joanna start plucking flowers from the wall. Each of them grabbing the deadheads. But also they’re plucking fresh blooms, grabbing at the new buds and tossing them to the floor. Min pulls a mauve pansy and crushes it in her fist. Actively destroying Pamela’s gift to the entire office.

“There is a card for Kristen at the end of the table. I know Kristen was our newest team member, but please sign it with your most thoughtful sentiment. As well, there’s a fund to send her a gift basket, one that adheres to her strict diet and won’t cause another horrific allergic reaction. Thank you all. See you at next week’s meeting.”

Pamela rushes to the card, wants to make sure her words are clear: “We learn from our mistakes, the best is always ahead of us. Warmth and health, Pamela.”

She steps aside and sees Min’s hands, dusted with pollen. Min picks up the card, gets pollen on the pristine white back. She rolls her eyes and elbows Joanna in the side. Joanna throws her a look and hands Min the card-signing pen.

“Hi, Joanna. Min, I would like to say something.” Pamela steps close to them to speak.

“Is it sorry for almost killing our co-worker? Because that would be nice to hear.”

“I would like to join the safety committee.”

Min laughs, drops the card to the table, and doubles over. “Um. No. What about that?”

Pamela is shaking. “Excuse me?”

“No. You are not joining any committee I’m a part of.

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