Arrives at work

Lauren arrived at her work: A high end women's fashion store. Lauren was the assistant manager here, and was vying for the management position. Despite only being employed her for a year she had been promoted a half dozen times, and was now practically in charge.

Lauren marched into the store, heels clacking. Lauren immediately saw two of the clerks, Vanessa and Megan, chatting at the counter. She rolled her eyes. Gossiping on the clock? Not on her watch! Lauren strut up to them and stood, hip out and arms crossed aggressively.

Both women stopped talking and turned to look at their boss Lauren. They both grinned as they saw her, increasing Lauren's annoyance.

"Yes? Can we help you?" Asked Megan.

"Yes, you can help me by getting by shutting your flapping jaw and getting back to work!" Lauren said coldly. She expected a shamed reaction, but to her surprise and increasing annoyance Megan laughed!

"Looks like you've been put in your place!" Giggled Vanessa. She then turned to Lauren.

"Let me guess, you're playing boss or something?" Vanessa smiled. "That's why your wearing that snappy outfit?"

"'Playing Boss'? What on earth are you talking about?" Lauren asked angrily.

"Well, you're doing a great job telling everyone what to do sweetie!" Giggled Megan. To Lauren's complete befuddlement, Megan handed her a lollipop and then gave her a pat on the head!"

"Now run along sweety, the adults are talking." Vanessa said dismissively. Lauren looked like her head was going to pop with rage. Then our view panned over and we saw the narrator again, stylishly standing unnoticed with a cigarette in a long holder.

"As you can see, in this reality, Lauren's trappings of authority and adulthood no longer work." The narrator explained. "What will happen to Lauren when her status symbols no longer apply?"