Questions and answers

You step into Mr. Chandler's office and shut the door behind you, looking at the floor with downcast eyes. He's standing beside his desk, his arms folded, looking sternly at you.

"This office is no place for juvenile drama, Lisa. I expect professionalism no matter what's going on in your private life. Your boyfriend troubles have no place here."

"I don't have a boyfriend," you say quietly, trying to stifle your crying as you wipe your tears away. "It's my landlord. My room-mates and I are behind on the rent and he's threatening to kick us out." You look up at your boss and see a softening in his expression. "One of them lost her job, and the other had to get her car fixed. We're all students and kind of struggling. He just called and threatened me with eviction if I don't give him some money today, and I don't know what to do. I'm sorry for crying."

He steps towards you and leads you to a chair, putting a box of tissues beside you. You nod at him gratefully, wiping your eyes, your sobbing in control.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed," he says. "However, if you're overcome by emotion you should take yourself to the washroom, not do it in public. I have enough of a reputation for being tough and demanding without getting blamed for this." He gives you a grin and pats your shoulder.

"I'm sorry sir," you answer, managing a trembling smile at him.

"How far are you behind?"

"Six weeks. Well... almost two months rent. We paid part of last months but none of this months. I don't know what we're going to do."

"What about your parents? Can't you ask them for help?"

You blush deeply, thoroughly embarrassed now. "I did, two months ago. And I was stupid. I spent most of the money on clothes and..." you break off, looking at the floor and biting your lip.

"And what?"

"Partying..." you answer with a voice clogged with humiliation.