Voices From a Playground

“Why are you here? Nobody likes you.”

I try to keep it together on the first day of my new job. I'm thinner now. I smile at everyone as though it is the most natural thing for me to do. They can't see that my palms are sweaty and that my heart is racing.

“Let's set her shoes on fire!”

Eye contact is essential as it shows confidence. I walk with purpose and hope that my skirt isn't too short. I'll never be comfortable in this thing but like my mother always said, “Challenge isn't stirred by comfort.” I don't think she meant for that to apply to clothing but whatever.

“Boo-hoo she's crying now. What a big baby.”

I learned to run really fast. Part of me wishes I could do that now. Instead I just sit at my desk and admire my new collection of pens. My neighbor peeks his head over the cubicle wall and says hello. I learn that Pete has three kids and a fourth on the way. He shows me pictures and asks if I'm married.

“If you ever come back here we'll kill you!”

Tomorrow there is a lunch to welcome me. I guess I'll be coming back.