The Greeter
February 18th, 2021
Starring: Stu (male, late 60’s/early 70’s)
Early morning, first light. Stu sits behind the wheel of his running car, in a large parking lot.
STU
I got sacked at the New Year.
No, well...that’s unfair. “Contract not renewed.” Same result, less corporate responsibility.
It was hubris, not seeing it coming. I constructed my 40 years in human resources on a bedrock of durability. Kept the career measurements square. Sturdy, basic, built to last. I assumed being the longest-standing house on the block meant I belonged. That I’d been granted historic status, appreciated for my antique charm.
To some, it’s a dream home. To most, it’s a rickety relic not worth the cost of upkeep. So they buy it for the land and wrecking ball the rest.
Three more years, I thought. If I could put in three, I’d tire myself just right. Not burnt out, but ready. That’s what I was looking forward to. The power to end things exactly how I wanted.
And they took it from me.
...
But I did. I didn’t reach higher. Dream bigger. I stuck around instead of sticking out.
Retiring would have proved it. That what I was afraid of just might be true.
So I left, with grace. I found something new.
Stu rummages into the backseat and pulls out a blue vest. On the front, it has a nametag with his name, with a bunch of other buttons pinned on. On the back it reads, “How may I help you?” Stu slips it on and buttons it up.
My family thinks I’m nuts.
“You don’t need the money, hang up the cleats, visit the grandkids.”
Three years, I tell them. This is my story. I close the book.
Stu turns off the car, gets out, and locks it. He stares up at the palatial Walmart supercenter in front of him:
Until then...it’s just another day.
He heads towards the entrance, off to work. Just another day.