Paul’s ankles were getting cold from the wind that he created as he ran. His pant legs rose and fell near his feet with every stride he took. It was a nice day but Paul’s jacket made a great deal of resistance, slowing him down with wind. The bus was about half a block away from him, still boarding passengers and releasing them. The backlights of the bus had a bright red glow that wasn’t so bright under the sun. Soon the red lights disappeared and the bus took off leaving a smoggy air in Paul’s face. Paul ran his fingers through his short straight hair and let out a stressful sigh. It was not Paul’s day today, it just wasn’t a good day. Paul pulled out his phone to check for the next bus arrival time. He was hot and his cotton collared shirt was sticking to his chest. The next arrival time for the bus that would get him to work was nineteen minutes. Paul knew he couldn’t take that bus, he could get there faster than that if he took a cab. Paul spent some minutes calling a cab from the busy street. Once a cab finally pulled in front of him he stepped into the backseat and slammed the yellow door. He told the cab driver his job’s address and the cab pulled off. Paul whipped his phone out of his pocket and called his wife but she didn’t answer. Paul figured that maybe she was away from her cell phone so he called the house phone. She didn’t answer, it went straight to voicemail. One of the phones had to be off the hook Paul thought. Paul ended the call and continued into his apps. He looked at his schedule for the day and for tomorrow. It didn’t seem as busy as he thought. Paul pulled his phone away from his face as he began to look out the car door window. He saw a big crowd of people filling the streets and sidewalks. All the people moved slowly but with strength. The people looked angry with him. Paul looked away from the window and back into the car. Paul looked straight ahead. The car wasn’t moving anymore.
The driver turned his head back just enough to make eye contact with Paul. Paul stared at the driver, then the meter, he eventually looked out the window surprised to see the entrance to his work place. Men just like him walked up the small stairs and through the glass doors with their hot cups and skinny ties. Paul pulled out his leather wallet from the breast pocket of his suit. He paid for his fare and gave the cab driver a tip that wasn’t exactly generous. Paul opened the door, untucked his head and stepped out the back of the taxi onto the curb. Paul swung his eyes down to his wrist to see if he would be able to punch in on time. His round wristwatch read six minutes to nine. Paul tightened his face and squeezed the handle of the bag that held all of his papers. He was angry with the day and he had felt this way all morning. He felt his chest heat up while the rest of his muscles tensed and soon his body language began to reflect the way he felt.
He picked up his speed a bit as he shuffled up the three flat steps to his office building. With his sweaty palms Paul tugged on the silver handle that was embedded in the tall glass door. Running to the time clock did cross Paul's mind but he didn’t want to run in front of everyone, he didn’t like the thought of everyone staring at him. He walked just fast enough to keep a good pace while looking as if he wasn’t rushing. Paul had made it to the elevator and once he had arrived to the third floor he headed straight for the time clock not caring to look in any other direction. He had his eyes locked in on each step he took and even a few steps ahead until he inevitably crashed into someone in heels. At his feet he saw his bag with his papers spread across his shoes. As his eyes scanned forward a few feet he saw his co-worker Ava on the floor covered and surrounded by all of her own papers. Paul clinched his fists as he kneeled down to pick up his things. He didn’t know why Ava wanted to make him any later than he already was but he sure as hell wouldn’t let her get away with it. Pushing Ava’s things aside Paul tried to organize his papers quickly and stuff them back into his bag. Ava fixed her eyes at Paul in awe of how unbelievably rude he was being. She didn’t think that the same guy that held the door for her in the morning and bought her lunches from the sub shop up the street could be so rude. After waiting a few more second for an apology or any kind of recognition from Paul, Ava picked herself up from the floor and started to collect her own papers. By the time she was able to gather half of her things, Paul had already gotten up and walked pass her. Ava crinkled her brow and made a face that matched the face that Paul had walked away with. Once Paul finally did reach the clock to punch in, it was a minute pass nine. Paul fished his work i.d. out of his bag and swiped it. Upset with everything, Paul found his way to his office and settled into his cushioned seat.
When lunch rolled around Paul decided to leave the building to buy a polish and a pop from the vendor on the corner. After returning to his office Paul tried calling his wife before eating his lunch. The phone rang in his ear several times before reaching her voicemail. Paul hung up the phone and wondered. Maybe she’s mad at me, maybe she knows Paul thought. Paul’s train of thought was interrupted by his phone chirping and vibrating on his desk. His phone displayed a daily reminder he set for himself. Paul closed the reminder and leaned over his chair to open the bottom drawer of his desk. As he opened it a small container with his name printed on it rolled around untouched and bumped into some of his other personal things. Paul looked at the plastic container for a few seconds until someone knocked on his office door. Paul closed his desk drawer. He already knew who it was.
“Come in” he smirked.
