Writing Prompt 37: Reception
Food Stuffs
I do love postcards. I loved them as a teen. So quick and easy to send one to a friend when a letter seemed too formal or too long. When all you wanted to say was, I love you or thank you or hope you’re feeling better. Short messages saying that you’re thinking of them.
I don’t remember where I picked up this postcard but it makes me laugh every time - the woman’s committed smile with a slight tilt to her head and her hands relaxed on the desk in front of her. She appears unaware of the huge globe that looms large above her head.
What story do you see here?
Dear Mr International,
I’d like to thank you for the opportunity you afforded me, giving me a place in your company when no one else would employ me.
However, I feel now I have come to the end of my tenure here in Ohio. The world is getting heavy and although I continue to smile every day it is becoming more difficult. I’m not sure how many more months I can keep bearing the weight of the world on my shoulders.
Lately, I’ve noticed a change. The globe has become rather squashed, oval, more like a melon. I’m not sure quite what has happened. I only noticed last month in the reflection of the mirror that was delivered to reception. For about ten minutes the mirror sat upright in front of my desk while the office manager, Nina, decided where to hang it. I’d never seen myself at reception until that moment.
I hope I’ve added value to the corporation. I’ve always tried to present a friendly face to all visitors. It’s not easy, honestly. Some days there’s an ache just at the top of my head. I’m glad when I can go to lunch and take a break.
Please accept this correspondence as my resignation. I shall be leaving in one month. That, I hope, should be ample time to find someone else to replace me. I am more than happy, of course, to help find someone new. I know, after all, what the job entails and the skills required.
If I may offer some advice. It could be good ‘to change things up a bit’ as everyone seems so fond of saying. Might I suggest a man to take my place under the globe? Women have taken the weight for far too long.
Best wishes,
Maureen Durdley
Story first posted in February 2019 // Postcard description: Food Stuffs International, Inc. Visitor’s Centre in Cincinnati, Ohio - date unknown © Quantity Postcards
