Awkward Small Talk
I tried to lighten the unpleasant situation by striking up a conversation as Sally carried on looking. “What a crazy morning.” I looked at Sally and laughed as I said that. She nodded, but she was clearly uncomfortable with the entire situation as her eyes remained fixed on her screen. My manager, meanwhile, avoided eye contact and stood by with his hands in his pockets. The moment spanned the silence with a peculiar blend of anxiety and banal chatter.
Awkward Small Talk
Impromptu Meeting Excuse
Ever the escape artist, my manager attempted to divert our attention once more. “I just realized I have an unexpected meeting,” he said, pointing at his watch. It was an ineffective attempt to deflect attention. My dad was so focused on Sally’s assignment that he hardly blinked. The tension was thickening, and my manager’s flimsy justification was dangling there like a lifeline that had failed.
Impromptu Meeting Excuse
