for the first time

no one ever forgives the boss, she thought. but someone's gotta be boss.

walking into the work house was for her like an actor walking onto the stage. everyone is staring straight into the fourth wall, breath baited. they don't know what to expect, most of them, but regardless, their expectations will be fulfilled, you can count on it. the special effects will seem like magic, and they'll go home thinking "i could never be an actor!"

well, the thought, it's my job to forgive them for that.

walking into the work house, the boss had to learn to walk into the building every day for the first time. everything could defy expectations, nothing is certain. and when there are surprises, it's the boss's job to improvise, redirect, make it all seem normal and taken in stride. make it all seem expected.

this day would be different.