By Matthew Pritt
The lingering scent from the shrimp leftovers Jennifer microwaved is mercifully gone, dispersed by time. Except for a lone succulent on Derek’s desk, the rest of our plants are desiccated husks. On my desk is a project I finished at home in May. I was stressed about this at the time. I didn’t need to be.
Today I see only potential: unbrewed coffee beans, the new orchid I’ll replace my dead one with, the fresh perspective on my work-life balance.
Then, the office phone rings a tone I haven’t heard in over a year, and all the old anxiety rushes back.
This is so pertinent to the times. Great imagery and emotion. I can almost feel it tucked neatly into a grayed Tupperware container and stashed into the aged office fridge.
I like the twist in the tail of this tale.
Too many adjectives throughout, first sentence is unwieldy. You don’t get a scent from food. Showing AND telling. Missing punctuation.
So many people can/will be able to relate to this. Great imagery.
Succinctly sums up the past year and the much anticipated return to the office that quickly evaporates at the intrusive demand of the office phone.
Atmospheric! I was there!
Fantastic images with tongue and tunes are pleasing to the reader. Time appropriateness magnifies the impact.