Bill and the Cubicle

“Hey, how ya doin’ Bill?” It was the same thing from Roger every single day as soon as he came into the break room. His migraine had been especially painful today. He wanted to turn around and leave, but he really needed that coffee.

So, he forced a polite smile and replied, “Good, good. How’s the wife?” He couldn’t remember her name if his life depended on it. Something like Janet. Or was it Joanna? Not that he cared.

After exchanging pleasantries he escaped and made his way back to his cubicle. He plumped down into his seat, finding a new sticky note on his desk.

“Enter all test results by EOD”

Bill scoffed. What else would he be doing all damn day? The thought made him feel the sudden urge to violently throw his desk over. After a deep breath to quell the impulse, he looked down at the first entry on the paper.

“70.55% Success”

Wait a minute…That’s not what it was before his break. Assuming it to be a misprint, he looked around when Roger appeared behind him.

“Somethin’ wrong Bill?” he asked.

“No, it’s…it’s nothing,” he felt rage boil up inside of him again.

“You sure?” Roger probed.

“Yeah, I just need to see someone about a mistake.”

“Oh? Let me see if I can help ya out there bud—”

“Why won’t you just leave me the fuck alone?!” Bill shouted to his own surprise, causing the office to go completely silent, staring… He frantically looked down at the document once more and again, it changed.

“95.44% Success”

He turned to his office computer abruptly screeching and buzzing, growing louder and louder and overwhelming his senses. He smacked it hard with a thud, but still it continued.

Then, there was nothing. A click and a whir.

“100% Success”