Am I getting a gold watch? Wow, the HR lady’s kinda

hot. Breathe, Rodney, breathe. They all look so sad; make

‘em laugh. Ha, they liked the gold watch joke. That guac

from the party’s gonna go bad if this takes too long. Push my book

Spiritual Wanderer, push Spiritual Wanderer. What

does COBRA stand for? Joke about stealing pens. Don’t

tell ‘em about Sharpies. Top boss banters with me about

there not being ink in the pens. Phwew, Sharpies are

safe. Breathe, breathe, breathe. This is it. This is the end

of the career. How long does guacamole last in this heat?

Gotta buy a lottery ticket. Seriously, listen to the COBRA

spiel. Keep the humor up. Do I hug? If one, then everyone.

Top boss reflects on me correcting his tip during our dinner

interview three years ago. Says he knew he’d hire

me then and there. Should I correct him about something

now? They look so serious. Oh, oh, HR lady is nervous;

shaky hands give it away. Humor, jokes, feign interest

in Employee Assistance program. Do COBRAs bite or

squeeze? Remember to thank sweet daughters for helping

me cry earlier so I don’t now. Do I sign something? Hey,

you forgot to take my ID card. It’s ending. Career and this

exit interview. Guac’s probably a goner too. It’s hot. Maybe

it’s the HR lady. Breathe. Why are they looking at me?

Should I say something? Is it my turn to get up and sing?

Do I leave? What do I do? Take bull by the horns. Start

hugging. Surprises ‘em. Ha, hot HR lady says she wants

one too. SCORE!

(Hours later, more Mexican food at  home. Guac’s fine.)