Charlotte

“Hello,” I said as I approached the table. “I’m sorry I walked in. I rang the bell, but no one...”

She glanced up, her blonde ponytail swinging with her movement. “Oh, that bell hasn’t worked in ages. You must be the new worker. Come along; I’ll take you to your supervisor.” Without waiting for a response, she stood and walked past me, her tone brisk and dismissive.

I tried to explain that I wasn’t here for an interview, but she was already halfway up the stairs, not paying any attention to what I was saying. I followed her as she led me up the stairs to a different part...