Rita hated the way she felt each day walking into her cubicle. She knew sooner or later the belittling would begin. It was covert, of course. It couldn’t be done outright. There are laws against that, you see.

Instead, the moves were insidious – most couldn’t see beyond her boss’ facade.

Rita wondered what people would think when the mass exodus of employees began. She wondered, but didn’t really care. Her desk was cleared. It was time.

Head high, she walked leisurely to the door, turned and winked at the receptionist. She threw a one-fingered salute and walked through door.

Satisfaction achieved.
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Velvet Verbosity’s 100 Word challenge this week is SATISFIED. Be sure to read the words of some very cool writers. And, maybe write your 100 too.

Three women huddled in the back hallway – the only safe place to chat. “Remember when we took smoke breaks and chatted around the watercooler”, whispered Dolly.

“Those were the days. You could smoke and drink and nobody batted an eyelash. Now? We have to eat vegan, drink veggie smoothies, and walk everyday – JUST to get a discount on our health insurance!”

The other women nodded agreement and Ethel snuck a look around the corner. “What are we gonna do about Rita,” she asked.

The widened eyes of her coworkers spoke volumes. Their she-devil boss had overheard.

“What’s up, my women?”
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Carrying on last week’s story – this is my entry for VV’s 100 Words prompt Widened. What say you? Got 100 words inside? Spew ’em out here.

The raging storm caused by their boss left everyone shell-shocked. The office grew quiet; the only sound the clicking of manicured nails on keyboards. Rita thought she might have heard a sniffle or two.

She had lived through a BAD (with capital letters) marriage and a follow-up BAD relationship. She thought she’d never have to go through such firestorms again; certainly not in the workplace.

She quietly began packing her meager belongings; pictures of her kids mostly. There’s no reason to continue to occupy space in a place that shows no respect. Her resignation in hand, Rita entered her supervisor’s office.
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Velvet Verbosity’s 100 Word Challenge this week is OCCUPY. These are my thoughts on that.

They looked at each other – he with open admiration; she from beneath downcast eyes. He was a wolf on the prowl. She was the prey, shy and unsure of herself.

This was her first time on the dating scene in nearly 30 years. Such things had seemed easier when she was in her youth – before the marriage, the children, the house, cars, and 401Ks. Before the divorce – the other woman – the bitter irony of a misspent middle age.

She caught his glance again, shrugged off her inhibitions and raised her eyes to meet his smile. “Hi there, my name is Diane.”
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This week VV’s 100 Word Challenge is INHIBITION. Check out the other entries, won’t you?

She closed her eyes as Dr. Strohman probed gently. This was always the hard part; the reason she had bounced from counselor to counselor. She let them in just so far and then slammed the door.

Dr. Strohman was different. Her questions never felt invasive; almost as if she really cared what was said – as if the patient were as valuable as all the certificates hanging on the walls.

“Take your time,” Dr. Strohman repeated. “Tell me about your parents.”

“Daddy named me. He always said I was his little whimsy. Mother always called me her biggest mistake.”
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This is in answer to the 100 Word Challenge by Velvet Verbosity. Be sure to check out the other entries. There are some gifted Word Nerds over there.