Tuesday

THE BIG LET DOWN | A NEW SHORT STORY BY LATEASE RIKARD



She left the office in tears. Tamala couldn’t believe what she just heard. It felt like her whole world had caved in on her. The job she held in such high esteem had turned on her like a wild, unfed tiger. At her age she wouldn’t find employment easy. No matter what her skill set was. All she could think about were the friends she’d made, the experiences she’d shared. Now it was over all because of her boss.

Tamala had been out of work for a year now. Being unemployed had seriously eaten away at her savings. If she didn’t find work soon she’d be forced to file for unemployment and food stamps. Tamala was too proud to do that. She was raised to work for what you want. Don’t take handouts, only quitters do that. Her family was strict and self sufficient. There were no exceptions. You either made it in  this life or you didn’t. Tamala was embarrassed to ask for help. She didn’t want anyone in her family to know that she was unemployed so she kept up the façade like nothing was wrong.  But today things hit a bad bump in the road and she felt like she was rolling down the fastest roller coaster to hell. If only Tamala hadn’t asked the question. If only she had of kept her mouth shut. Maybe she could go back there. Not a chance, there was no turning back because reality was in control.

It all started when her assistant manager made his rounds like he did every morning. Making sure everyone had what they needed to get through their day and if he could be of assistance if not. Tamala had been wondering when she was going to get the help she needed. Help on one of her most difficult accounts that had been promised. Her assistant manager told her in front of the entire team that at the end of the month everyone’s focus would shift to help Tamala close out her account. The work load was so heavy it really needed two people to work it. But Tamala’s boss felt she could handle it he had said previously. He felt she was smart and this shouldn’t be a stressor for her. Well he was wrong. Tamala didn’t get the direction she needed to work the account, she was literally walking blindly trying to figure things out. Most times it was trial and error, more often error.

It was the end of the month and the reports had to be accurate for her client. As each day moved closer to Friday she felt the weight of an incomplete project looming. Not completing this project in full meant Tamala would be denied a raise again. Deep down Tamala felt like a loser, like she couldn’t play ball with the younger reps. Tamala was too self critical; she judged herself before anyone else could.  As she was on her way to the copier she had to walk past the offices of some of the executives.she heard her clients’ name. Trying to pretend not to hear the conversation,  Tamala heard her name once again but this time she heard the words “let go,” as well.  Was she going to be fired? Tamala instantly felt sick to the stomach. She needed this job, they couldn’t fire her! How would her bills get paid?
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WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN TO TAMALA? REPLY IN THE COMMENTS BELOW! 


2 comments:

  1. she need to swallow her pride, and get some help, ask folks she might follow locally on twitter if there any openings where they work. Or something like that. Nothing wrong with get some help. come on now ..

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    1. glad my short story of fiction inspired you to comment with such passion! Thank you. I may add your suggestion to the story.

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