The Main Character

My boss keeps nagging me about work. Well, really he keeps micromanaging me and my work. I’m doing fine, not making mistakes and I trust myself to get the work done. I am well and truly over the nonsense by now. Evan wasn’t always this stuck up and controlling, but since he stepped into the store manager role one week ago, things have really taken a turn.

“Hey Evan, can I talk to you real quick mate?”

He welcomes me into his office and motions for me to sit opposite him. We have known each other for years. I helped him get this job and I have no care to climb the corporate ladder. I enjoy my job, mostly.

“Just a few things I want to talk about, boss man. Are you holding up okay, you seem tense since the big promotion?”

Evan chuckles lightly, deflecting the question and wanting to skip straight to business.

“You’ve worked with me at this company for the last six years and you know what I am capable of doing, so why do you keep hovering over me during the workday. I’ve got this. Can you please  just back off a little bit, respectfully sir?”

“I have to watch you to ensure you aren’t wasting company time on personal errands. I’m nervous about my work and I now have higher management to answer to. I can’t trust anyone here anymore, regardless of how long I’ve known you for, Matthew.”

“So why am I the only one you check on as much as you do? Not another person in this company is questioned on the daily like I am. C’mon man, we’re friends.”

“Matthew, the nerve you have to say all that crap to me! You are the greatest threat to the company and it is my duty to get you out of the way. I can’t lose all my progress to get where I am today. I was their second choice for this role, you beat me and turned it down. I do not trust you. Get out of my office and back to work, it isn’t going to get done itself. And this time will be taken out of your lunch break as it was personal business for this meeting. Close the door on your way out now.”

I sit in utter disbelief. Words don’t come to me as I attempt to understand the jealousy and my apparent power within the company. The betrayal of my friend and colleague. “You’ve gone mad with power, Evan! You think you are completely in control and you are still hungry for more. Where did you go so wrong?”

“Have you ever tried going mad without gaining power? Actually, I suppose you have lived that way! Madness is doing the same thing without ever moving up in the world. You my friend are filled with complete madness. Do not try to stand in my way.” Evan’s voice raised in volume as he spoke. Standing over me at his large mahogany desk, a gold name plate to my left. “Now get out! We will not have this discussion again and I will raise concerns with my managers about your compliance and rebellious behaviours in my workplace. Good day.”