First day anxiety

Paul Ridley was sound asleep, dreaming, not for the first time, about his first day at his new job with Fostner Advanced Systems. He hadn't actually had his first day of work yet, though. He received his master's degree in engineering only a month ago and interviewed with Fostner just a week later. They were impressed with him and offered the job which he was to start on Monday, July third.

In his dream he was just entering the office. His new boss met him at the door.

"You're late! We start at 9AM here. You won't last long if you can't get here on time."

"But, that's impossible", Paul stammered, "I left the house at 8:15 and it only takes 15 minutes to get here."

"I don't need to hear your excuses. Just get here on time!", the boss yelled.

That's when Paul started hearing a strange sound in the distance. Suddenly realizing that it was his phone, Paul sat straight up in bed and answered. It was his girlfriend, Carole and she was yelling.

"Paul, are you up? This is the big day!"

"Carole? What time is it?"

"It's 8 o'clock, why?"

"Wait, what day is it?"

"It's Monday, silly. What's the problem?"

"Gotta go. Can't lose this job!"

He ended the call and ran to the bathroom, turning on the shower. He showered in record time and heard the phone ringing while he was washing his hair but he just didn't have time for that now. Dressing as fast as possible, he knew he didn't have time to eat and headed straight for the door. When he opened it, there was Carole.

"Paul what's going on? I tried to call."

"Can't talk now. Have to get to work."

"That's next Monday, Paul. Today we're going hiking, remember?"

Note ▼

Flash Fiction contest
2/29/2020
300 words