She Didn't Know

As I came to the corner where one hallway intersected another, a woman walked by in a huff, and we almost ran into each other. (This is a common problem at this particular place in the building.) I let her pass.

She barely slowed down to say hello, and when she reached her office, she walked in, muttering to herself. I thought she was speaking to me, so I stopped at the door. When she turned, she had an agitated look on her face.

What's going on? I asked.

She usually works from home, and I was just trying to be friendly. The agitated look turned to a scowl.

I didn't know! she said.

Didn't know what?

She pointed down the hall and muttered someone's name. A guy in the last office on the right was packing up his stuff and taking the boxes out to his car.

I didn't know there were layoffs today.

Welcome to my profession.

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