It's Ok

I growled softly and lifted my head up, sniffing the air. Something didn't smell right.

I narrowed my eyes and scanned at the desks around me.

Just the usual bunch of unwashed Software Developers with the odd rumpled looking Business Analyst.

I could feel it though.

Danger. Or at the very least, something highly annoying was closing in.

It was then that I noticed a crab-like figure shuffling toward me as if it weren't shuffling toward me.

I lowered my brow in a frown that made Patricia-the-Twig, downstairs in the mail room, fall from her chair with a gasp.

Are you looking for me, Boss Man?

I snurped at El Jefe who was nearby, pretending not to be coming over to see me.

He leapt like a scalded cat and whipped his head about in a poor attempt at surprise.

What, looking for you? Um... No. I was just passing.

El Jefe smiled ingratiatingly at me as if I were a cheese sandwich and he, a wanton piece of lettuce.

I turned my head back to my screen with a grunt.

But what I'm here... How are you, BoomDawg?

I turned back to face the Jeffe-Lump.

Fine. I'm fine. Thank you.

El Jefe grinned again. He looked uncomfortable.

It was my first day back since my Dad had passed away. I was not in the best of moods.

I wanted to say...

El Jefe raised himself up as if on parade and attempted a sincere face.

I wanted to say... I'm sorry for your Dad.

I wheeled back my chair a bit and spun to give him my full attention.

S'alright. It wasn't your fault.

I said, my eyes steely as if trying to gentle a cat so I could get a saddle on it.

El Jefe recoiled a bit and dropped into default Project Manager mode.

Eh, of course it wasn't my fault?

He sputtered.

I know. That's why I said it was alright.

I said serenely, gazing over his shoulder at nothing.

The Jefe-weizen stepped back a little as if facing down a madman with a penis shaped truncheon.

So anyway. I'm sorry. I know it can be hard.

He said softly.

I nodded back.

That's ok. I forgive you.

I replied just as softly.

El Jefe made as if to react then caught himself. It was his turn to nod.

Ah, you are winding me up. Well, I'm glad you are feeling a bit better.

He backed off as he said this before turning and walking away.

I couldn't help but smirk a little.

Maybe I was feeling a bit better.