Reorganisation · Level 3

They were headed eastwards across the Pacific Ocean to an isolated group of islands when they hit heavy swells and were forced to abandon their yacht. They were fortunate to be picked up by a passing log carrier, on its non-stop voyage to Japan. So for almost three weeks, they played cards and watched videos with the crew. They kept fit by exercising and repeatedly jogging the length of the deck before they disembarked where they had started.

Una and her father were at it again.

"All that money wasted! You could have given it longer than two weeks!"

"I didn't like it and I'm not going back."

There was nothing else to say. How many other times had she tried to get him interested in something outside the house? Since her mother died she had been concerned that he spent too much time at home and not with friends or meeting new people. She tried to encourage him to take up new interests. It had now been two years with no success. Now they were arguing over her latest effort- a six month membership at the fitness centre for his birthday gift.

Fred had been feeling nauseous all morning. At midday, he dropped his head, eyes closed, into his hands. He knew he couldn't last until 5 o'clock when the office closed. A sympathetic co-worker approached him.

"Wouldn't you be better off at home, Fred?"

"Normally, yes, but the painters are there this week, doing all the ceilings. I can't go there. The smell is overpowering. It would make me feel worse."

"Why don't you go and lie down on the couch in the rest room?"

Fred went, and away from the noise from the street and the offices, he drifted off to sleep. When he woke, he felt able to return to his desk and finish the day's work.

To his astonishment, the office was empty. There was no sign of anyone. Had they been called out on a fire drill while he'd been sleeping? He checked his watch. Five minutes to four. 'That's what it must be,' he decided. The building was due for one. They never took long though, so they'd be back in ten minutes or so. He sat down and got to work on the papers that he'd left earlier. The work was much easier now that his mind was clear. Checking the time again at half past four, he stopped with the sudden realisation that they hadn't returned. The door opened.

"Hello, Fred. On your own? Working late tonight?" Flashing a bright smile at him, the cleaner began his work. Stunned, Fred turned for the first time to look at the clock on the wall - 6:30! His mind raced. "Yes, nearly finished though. Is the front door still open? I'll let myself out in a minute."

Tomorrow he must replace the battery in his watch.