I got out of the warm womb of my car and walked down the ill-lit parking lot to the office. It was another frigid morning, and I tried to switch off all human emotion to cope with another overwhelming and dysfunctional work day; this was no place for feelings.
But as I entered the glowing interior from the winter dark, I saw Theresa casing mail, twirling around with letters in hand like a spinning dervish. Awoken by my presence, she gifted me with her smile and advised, "Turn around, go home, and call out sick from there."
"Is that a negative attitude I sense, Theresa? The master shall be informed, and you'll be the one going home."
"God, make it so!" she laughed looking heavenward with palms up.
Her eyes followed me as I approached my case for my route. We worked next to each other, and I was thankful for small silver-linings in the post office. Theresa had beautiful dark skin with straight, jet black hair. She had gained a few pounds this winter, but that made her look healthier and happier. Her smooth face seemed to smile more confidently, and her bottom had nice form.
"So, are we going to have to go outside today? My mom wouldn't approve," I whined petulantly.
"Present for you, Jaimie." Theresa came into my three-sided case and handed me a parcel that belonged to one of my customers. She looked at me directly, and her hands touched mine. If I had personal space, it was now hers. My heart sped up a little.
"Yeah, this guy's got a problem ordering too much garbage. Another Amazon junkie. I don't think he got the memo that Christmas was over," I sighed.
Theresa put her small, warm hand on my shoulder and consoled, "Maybe a drink after work would dull the chronic pain of this place."
"I'd rather it be during work than after. But, yeah, I'm game. 'Sully's'?"