#Chapter 16: Resisting

I woke up early and immediately began working.

My employee handbook lay open on my desk, my highlighter out. I knew there were company policies about quitting without notice, but my research and journalism skills kicked in and found the exact phrases I needed to get around them.

"... hostile work environment...," I included. "Acknowledge I forfeit unemployment compensation..."

By the time I was done, I knew I had a strongly worded document that would convince HR to leave me alone. I CC'd Charles and sent it off, feeling a weight leave my shoulders as the computer's whooshing send-noise accompanied the disappearing email.

I stood, stretched, and then made breakfast. I wanted to start my job search right away. I had a little savings, but I also didn't want to blow it all at once. The sooner I was on my path to my dreams the better.

I was halfway through my steak and eggs when my phone dinged. I picked it up, thinking it was Cathy.

"You'll regret this, Elena," it read. My mouth went dry a