The Fifteen Minute Novel is an attempt to take a single prompt and use the last sentence written each day as a start for the next day. This year I had several prompts circling around a similar story, so I have combined them. However, the story starts the same way each day, with the last line from the day before and a timer set for fifteen minutes. The hope is to end up with a complete, if very rough draft by the end of the year. Some stories are better than others, but I always learn a whole lot about my own writing when I do this so for me it is not only a nice way to work out a story, but it is a tool for helping my writing get better. And so, we continue this story for 2024 with…
Day 50: As Sophie turned on her computer, she wondered how much his review would affect her evaluation.
As Sophie turned on her computer, she wondered how much his review would affect her evaluation. ‘He has already told me I am being uncooperative,’ she thought. Sophie took a deep breath and wondered if she was going to be fired after all. ‘The others could say things about me if they are asked since I didn’t take work from them last week.’
Sophie tried not to think about it as the clock ticked passed slowly. Knowing that she had the time away from her desk for the meeting, Sophie tried to hurry, putting on one of Janine’s play lists to keep her energy up rather than a podcast she knew she wasn’t going to be able to concentrate on. When she heard Kristen return to her desk and the others walk over to see her, Sophie turned off the music all together and listened in.
‘I don’t care if it is eavesdropping.’
“So what did they ask,” Carrie said. “I’ve got to go in a few minutes, what are they asking.”
“They asked about my workload and time management skills mostly,” Kristen said. She sounded relieved and pleased. “I think they are looking for people to take on some of the projects and seeing if they need to hire new people or not.” She told them. There was a collective sigh from the other side and Sophie heard Carrie leave for her meeting.
“So that was it?” Ryan asked her.
“Well, they did ask about what I thought of everyone and how well they worked. Don’t worry, I gave you a glowing review. Unlike others who aren’t team players.”
“Cool,” Ryan said. “I’ll do the same then.”
As he walked away, Sophie frowned to herself. She wasn’t surprised but had hoped for better. ‘I have a decent savings and the contract for the sleepwear is almost enough to cover my rent each month anyway.’ Sophie knew it would be tight if she got fired but she was in a fairly decent position to survive while she looked for another job. ‘I can manage if I have to,’ she told herself.
Even though she put her music on, Sophie heard Carrie return and then Ryan leave. When she heard Ryna return, she looked at the clock and realized it was time for her to go to the conference room. Sophie tucked all of her files away and locked the drawer. She then locked her computer down and stood, trying to brush the wrinkles that a morning sitting at her desk put into her trousers.
She took a deep breath, picked up a note book and pen and went to see what the conference room held. As she passed Kristen’s desk, Kristen favored her with a smug smile.
Ten til Midnight 