A Moment of Fragrance

Wanda;

Wanda, another secretary, sits across. She’s been here longest. Seen three girls come and go, she says.

08:59 am.
She comes and sits down, makes herself look busy.

09:00 am.
The boss comes in, Wanda jumps up. She tells him the starts of many sentences. She never finishes them. She speaks aimlessly and vaguely. He breezes past me and I am momentarily blessed, but am robbed of the aroma as Wanda’s fruity perfume washes over me like a tidal wave. When he shuts the door in her face, she sits down and powders her nose. The warring fragrances disperse.

At 09:42 am, daily, she starts her manicure. The smell of nail polish remover will fill the room. I make a note:

09:41 am - Open windows.