You walk into the office on your first day of work. A muscular man in a perfectly fitted shirt walks up to you with a toothy smile on his face.
“Are you Anne?” he asks you excitedly.
You nod. You are Anne.
“Fantastic! Welcome to MacGruder Shipping!” He slaps you firmly on the back. “I’m Jim!” You don’t like to be touched by strangers, but Jim seems friendly and you figure it’s okay.
You check in with the hiring manager, Jen, who shows you to your desk. After Jen gives you the lay of the land, you spin around in your chair to begin working. Before she leaves, Jen says, seemingly as an afterthought, “By the way, Anne, have a great day.”
You smile because you’re already having a great day. All you have to do is coast, really.
You find it extremely easy to follow Jen’s advice. All day, people who pass by your cubicle stop by to say hello and introduce themselves. Without exception, every one of them leaves on a lovely note. Barry told you he’s very excited to be working with you. Aiden notes your jewelry and says you have great taste. Pam compliments your haircut.
With the aid of the veritable tsunami of positive energy you receive throughout the day, Monday seems to be over as soon as it began. You clock out and drive home, singing happily to Taylor Swift in the car. You reflect silently on how incredible all your new co-workers seem to be. You know you’re going to have a great time working at MacGruder.
You enter your apartment and, as is your ritual, begin to disrobe as soon as the door closes behind you. No clothes in your own home. It’s the law. Anne law.
You toss your shirt gleefully on the floor and walk into the kitchen to pour yourself a small glass of wine. As you return to the living room, you notice a peculiar yellow square on the back of your blouse. You pick up the shirt and remove the note. You mouth the words silently to yourself and your heart sinks. The note reads:
I’M NEW
(say something nice to me)