"So, what are you going to do?"

"I don't know. It was kind of a bombshell, ya know? I really feel like going postal with a stapler at this point…"

"Okay, better question: What would you like to do?"

"Go postal with a stapler."

"Har dee har har." his voice over the phone was soft and reassuring in her ear. "I mean that taking all of your options into consideration, what's the plan, Stan?"

"Well, if I don't take the vacation time before my hiring anniversary, I lose all of it. That sucks royally, but with the new management jackals, it's unavoidable. However there is no way I can enjoy a vacation when I've got so much on my plate. The new program, the meeting with the governor, the track team…"

"Shut up and take your vacation." he interrupted.

"Easy for you to say. When was the last time you had a job?"

"I've punched a time-clock or two in my day…"

"Yeah, just the fact that you use the phrase "punched a time-clock" says it's been a while Mister Madison."

"Don't be such a bitch. It's really not as attractive as you think. Tell you what, why don't you use the rest of your workday today to go online, download yourself some new music, and when you get home take the dog for a nice long walk."

"That sounds nice."

"Yup. And with any luck you'll find something dark and mysterious to occupy your time."

"Thanks, Blake. You're a lifesaver."

"No problem, doll. You're a tootsie-pop."

She hung up the phone and peeked over the cubicle walls. Everyone was either gone or busily working. She turned on her computer and found a PM saying "Come Play". She chuckled to herself and began to read. It was early in the day, too early to escape for good, but anyone who saw her for the rest of the afternoon noticed a particular gleam in her eye. One that said plainly "Underneath my clothes, I am completely naked."