Larry had faithfully served at the firm since his college graduation, initially earmarked as a promising talent in the company and future high performer. However, after two decades had passed, Larry's professional trajectory had fizzled out, leaving him trapped in a dreary and unfulfilling middle management role. While he shouldered the burden of work for his more accomplished and upwardly mobile colleagues, resentment brewed within him. He yearned for change but lacked the audacity to step out of his comfort zone and pursue new opportunities.
Larry's stagnated career also took a toll on his wife, Suzy. When they had tied the knot, Suzy had envisioned a life filled with luxury that surpassed the limitations of Larry's still modest income. Her discontent seeped into her words, as she resorted to cruel comments and withdrew affection. Driven by her frustrations, Suzy had turned to drinking--not on a daily basis, but rather indulging excessively in social situations. Over the years, she had been unfaithful to Larry on several occasions, some of which he was painfully aware of, while many remained hidden from his knowledge. Larry attributed her infidelity to her drinking habits, and despite the lack of clarity regarding her desire for forgiveness, he always pardoned her transgressions.
Now, as December arrived, the firm's annual Christmas party loomed on the horizon. The event, hosted in the office, included modest decorations and a budget buffet complemented by a more generous allocation of alcohol. Larry despised this particular gathering, fully aware that there was a significant chance Suzy would overindulge and subject either herself or him to humiliation in front of his colleagues. Conversely, for Suzy, any social occasion offered a welcome respite from the monotony of her own unfulfilling job, lackluster marriage, and the demands of motherhood. She eagerly embraced the opportunity to partake in the festivities, using them as an escape from her mundane reality.
As they readied themselves for the party, Larry gently broached the idea of skipping the event and enjoying a quiet dinner together instead. However, Suzy made it abundantly clear that she wished to attend the party. In a feeble attempt, Larry softly suggested that she exercise moderation in her drinking, although he harbored more hope than expectation that she would comply.
Feeling a surge of offense at Larry's suggestion, Suzy retaliated by pointedly asking him if his "charming boss" would be present at the upcoming party. It was a seemingly innocent remark, carefully crafted to inflict maximum pain upon Larry. In his eyes, Larry's boss had ascended the corporate ladder with remarkable speed, relying solely on his charm rather than merit. Larry harbored an intense resentment towards his boss, considering him the primary obstacle to his own career advancement. To make matters worse, Larry couldn't shake his nagging suspicions that Suzy had engaged in an affair with his detested boss, though he lacked concrete evidence.
Suzy was well aware of Larry's well-founded suspicions, and she relished the opportunity to taunt him further, enjoying the power she held over him. While Suzy might have been involved in other indiscretions, she knew that the betrayal Larry would feel if she had indeed slept with the man he despised above all else would be far more devastating than any previous humiliation she had inflicted upon him.
An hour into the party, with three drinks already consumed, Suzy began to grow more gregarious. She shamelessly flirted with any of Larry's colleagues who gave her even the slightest attention and regaled the crowd with risqué jokes and bawdy stories that deeply embarrassed him. Larry could sense his colleagues whispering and exchanging glances, their conversations undoubtedly revolving around Suzy's behavior. However, she remained oblivious to their judgment, convinced that she was the life and soul of the party. With each subsequent drink, her extroversion intensified, painting an even more chaotic scene.
Larry made valiant attempts to curtail Suzy's alcohol consumption, but his three closest work peers--nearly fifteen years his junior--had taken a keen interest in her. They ensured her glass remained full, eagerly encouraging her to share more inappropriate jokes and stories. Unbeknownst to Larry, their motivations were fueled by a desire to witness Suzy's public embarrassment and to undermine him, viewing him as a dull and oppressive colleague.
Amidst the bustling and chaotic atmosphere of the party, Larry's boss approached him with a request. He asked Larry to embark on a seemingly menial task of fetching more ice from a convenience store located a couple of blocks away. Such petty assignments were a familiar form of humiliation inflicted upon Larry by his boss. However, on this occasion, Larry couldn't help but sense an ulterior motive behind his boss's demand. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was a deliberate ploy to separate him from Suzy, leaving her vulnerable to further mischief.
