The roar of the waves quieted Rita’s thoughts. She’d headed straight from the office to the beach. This was her solace.

Here she could shake the dust off her feet. Volcanoes across the way drew her eyes skyward. She spotted a rainbow. It must be raining in the next town.

She had done what needed to be done. The job took its toll: a sure death of self had caused her to walk out that door. The workplace had stolen much of her inner being.

It felt good to end it that way.

Tomorrow it might not feel as good.

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This week’s 100 Word Challenge by VV is QUIET. The above is my take on that and a continuation of Rita’s adventures in becoming a free spirit once again. Come and play with us – write your 100 words.

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?