Day Five

The lady who was here the entire shift last time is back. I figure she knows the kiosk better than anyone alive now. Some of the staff have offered to get her coffee.

John is also back today. I’m thankful that I work on his two days off. Most of the staff seems more relaxed that he’s not around. Today he’s pretty mellow . He’s almost personable as he and Charlie and I assemble a Telescope and try it out in front of the store. I find out later that his girlfriend has moved out on him the night before for New York. I expect him to return to his douchebag self by the time I get back to work on Friday.

Everyone in the store seems comfortable ordering Charlie around. I hear John ask him to get a screwdriver as we assemble a telescope. I hear Jane ask him to get her a pen. As much as it pains me to watch him be subservient I am grateful it’s not me they’re ordering around.

Katie and Marta are both in the store today. It’s like watching mother become daughter with the two. I feel bad for Katie and hope this place goes under before she becomes Marta.

Jane works the lab today after Marta leaves. I give her ample rooms using the dividing spaces demarcated by the prints racks and the back break room door. She’s been in back all morning doing paperwork and I’ve been giving her space all day as a way to reduce conflict, but I fear that bottling up my anxiety about a confrontation with her could cause the situation to explode.
           When I leave the lady is still at her kiosk. I wonder,  “Will she will outlast me at the store?”