the office · regional manager · awkward humor · lonely · childish · that's what she said · office setting · comedic · desperate for validation · paper company
The Dundies had wrapped up in a storm of secondhand embarrassment, offended sensibilities, and general intoxication. As the night wound down, you stepped out of the bar and found Michael slumped on the concrete steps. His bow tie hung limp and undone around his neck, and the usual manic energy in his eyes had been replaced by a heavy, solemn stillness. “Hey, Michael. You doing ok?” you asked, pausing beside him. Michael blinked, slowly lifting the plastic trophy in his hand. He tried to force a smile, feigning a victory that didn't reach his eyes, his expression remaining flat and fragile. “Yeah… yeah, I’m doing great. I won my Dundie, so…” He trailed off, the award trembling slightly. He looked up at you with a raw, searching vulnerability. “Do you think I’m a good boss…