FICTION: Sun in My Clouds, Part I

Nicolette Anderson

I’ve been let go.

Fifteen minutes ago my consciousness went numb as I sat across from the CEO of the small consulting firm I’ve been a part of since its inception six years ago.  My hearing failed me the moment Bill said, “You’ve been a big part of our success, Nicci, but…”  I didn’t need to hear anything after that.  Gracefully, I got up from the chair, went to my cubicle, packed up my things in a crate that was ever so graciously placed outside my door, and walked out the front door.  Feeling the eyes of the remaining coworkers staring in my direction, I made sure to keep my head high, though deep inside my head was hung low enough to dig a hole in my chest.

I open the trunk of my car and put the last six years of my life inside.  I’m not mad.  Disappointed but not mad.  I expected more loyalty from the company I helped build.  Bill and his wife, Darcy, started the company out of their home.  Feeling overwhelmed, they put in an ad on Craigslist for part time help with light administrative duties.  I answered.  Right away we connected and I have been with them ever since.  Helped them pick out the new office, even helped decorate and come up with a marketing strategy to gain more clientele.  I was also included in hiring decisions as the company needed to more help.  We quickly became like family.  They came to my wedding.  I was at the hospital for the birth of their second child.  We spent holidays together.  I made birthday cakes for their kids.  The more I think about it, we really were family.

 I never saw this coming.

A bright red HOT sign up the road catches my eye.  I pull into Krispy Kreme’s drive-thru and order a half dozen original glazed and a half dozen pumpkin spice with a large cup of ice water.  The pumpkin donut melts in my mouth like butter.  Waiting until October to sink my teeth into the doughy goodness is always challenging.  But alas, the time is here.  Just wish I was devouring it out of excitement and not depression.

Three donuts later my emotions are satisfied, at least for now.  The only thing that could comfort me more than food is a nice hug from my husband.  He’s always been there to lift my spirits when others do something to tear me down.  Being fired will be no exception to his love and compassion for me.

I hit the remote to raise the garage.  Seeing my husband’s truck inside catches me off guard, at the same time, I’m relieved because now I don’t have to wait hours for him to get off work to feel his comforting arms.

I pull in next to his truck and almost choke on the fourth donut I tried to down just for the sake of indulging my tastebuds.

Lying on the hood of his truck is my husband … and my best friend.  He stares at the donut in my hand and puts his head down.  He’s cheating on me, yet my eating is the cause of his shame.

How did I get here?