Jane, a 25-year-old nurse, gets a high dose

It had been a hell of a day for Jane. Standing at the metro stop, she reflected on her humiliating performance review with her new boss. She wasn't sure about Jamie when he started, but her treatment at his hands today left no doubt: he hated her.

The feeling was mutual, of course. She found him annoying at best and wildly unlikable most days. He had taken over for her previous boss six months ago and although her performance hadn't changed, her standing within the organization had. As she stood bitterly fantasizing about telling him off and quitting for a better job, her train of thought was interrupted by a tap on her shoulder.

"Excuse me, ma'am-" As she turned to face her interlocutor, she felt a sudden pinch. Oddly, she couldn't pinpoint where she felt it.

The man standing in front of her looked eager but slightly wary. Thin and balding, he was wearing a light jacket and bookish, round glasses. "Are you feeling ok?"

Jane began to answer, but paused. She actually felt pretty good. The autumn air suddenly smelled sweet and pleasant, and she was aware of the lovely feeling of her scrubs against her skin.

"Yeah, I am."

He considered this for a moment. She realized she was smiling a little bit. Strange as it was, she was sort of enjoying this interaction.

He reached out tentatively and put a hand on her shoulder. Then, without warning, he shoved her back a little bit. She stumbled back a few steps before regaining her footing.

He continued to stare at her.