Mr Spatz made a show of looking at his watch while shaking his head. He began tapping
his pen on the edge of his clipboard. “Well, Mister Jenkins, it seems you’re not on time
again.”
Our eyes met for a moment, and I then looked down towards my shoes, like someone
saying, yes, again, I apologize and ask for your understanding. “I cut myself shaving and it
didn’t want to stop bleeding. See?” I said, pointing to my shirt. Mr Spatz looked at it and said,
“You must be joking.”
I knew he was filling out an Employee Disciplinary Form that would require my
signature when it was finished. I continued with my explanation. “I was trying to stop
the bleeding, but I couldn’t. When I realized what time it was, I had to hurry and forgot my
employee identification card.” Mr Spatz shook his head again to show how disappointed he
was. “Mister Jenkins, this is your third mistake. Normally, we fire employees when they
break the rules for the third time. But I’m not going to do that, I’m going to watch you.
You’re a good waiter, you work hard, but you’re late for work far too often.”
“It won’t happen again,” I said.
Mr Spatz smiled at me critically as he handed me the clipboard. “Please sign here.” The
note accused me of being late, of forgetting my employee identification card, of having a dirty
uniform, and of not shaving completely. I informed Mr Spatz I was growing a moustache. The
employee handbook stated that moustaches were the only facial hair employees were allowed
to grow. Any other types of facial hair were strictly forbidden. The employee handbook said
I could have a moustache, so I refused to sign the form.
Mr Spatz looked even more disappointed than usual. “I don’t know if I would call that
a moustache, but very well. I’ll remove that comment from the record.” On hearing that, I signed the form. He handed me my pink copy that said For Employees Records
at the bottom. “Now,” Spatz said, clapping his hands, “clean your face off and put on your
uniform. There is a dining room to set up.” He turned to leave but paused a moment. “I’ll be
studying your performance carefully this afternoon, Mister Jenkins. Any more mistakes and
you’ll be no longer employed here.” Then he was gone.
adapted from www.short-stories.co.uk