14. Losing your job.

Anxiety set in as Amanda walked through the office courtyard, her fear of losing her job lingering like a parasite on a host plant. Jeff's story the other day couldn't be put away quickly.

Amanda wanted to be positive, but it didn't seem easy.

She had become quieter than ever, often daydreaming when Louisa spoke to her or sitting in her cubicle.

The wired phone connected to the CEO's office rang, and Amanda answered it immediately.

"Yes, sir. Do you need anything?"

"Please come to my office, Amanda."

"Yes, sir."

Amanda took a deep breath after hanging up the phone. She looked at the CEO's room door, then moved to follow her boss's orders.

Amanda briefly knocked on the door, then entered after opening it herself. She smiled warmly to greet CEO Eddie.

The man's expression was still like yesterday, listless. He took off his glasses and opened his drawer.

"Please sit down, Amanda. I have something important to talk to you about."

"Yes, sir." Amanda sat on the chair across from CEO Eddie,