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 52: “I believe so,” Sophie replied.
“I believe so,” Sophie replied.
“Excellent news,” Peters said. “We are trying to figure out where duties should be allocated and making certain everything works as well as possible. There will be compensation for taking on the database set up since you are willing to take it on and as we shift and reorganize we may adjust your workload, prioritizing other projects.” He cleared his throat and looked at her directly, his smile faded.
“Moving forward it would be beneficial to us if you did not take on any projects from your coworkers as we sort through the various assigned duties. We would also like to have you not to stay later than your regular office hours. We need to see exactly what we are working with.”
He stared at Sophie and she nodded. He seemed pleased and smiled back.
“For the moment everything else will remain the same,” he continued. “We may increase the files to two per week as we continue with setting up the data base but it will be no more than that until we reach the reorganization phase. If it ever causes you to need to stay late, please call Elizabeth and let her know so that we can track the hours properly.”
“I see,” Sophie replied. She nodded. “I’ll be sure to let her know.” Sophie was uncertain if she was supposed to call her Elizabeth or Ms. Walker so she chose to leave off any name to be safe.
“Do you have any questions for us?” He asked.
“None that I can think of,” Sophie said.
“Excellent. Then I think we are through here. Thank you for your assistance.”
“Sure,” Sophie said recognizing the dismissal. She stood, offered everyone a smile and turned towards the door. She opened it and stepped into the hallway.
‘Odd that they didn’t ask me about anyone else,’ she thought as she walked down the hallway. She shook the thought away as she reached Mr. Evers’ office. He walked to the door as she passed.
“That didn’t take long,” he said looking at his watch. “Wasn’t your meeting at eleven?”
“It was,” Sophie replied.
“I suppose they didn’t have a lot to say to you then.”
“Not really,” Sophie replied. “Just that they will be sending more files for the database setup down.”
Mr. Evers sighed. “I suppose that will keep you busy.” He favored her with a sour look.
Ten til Midnight 