The Fine Print

Doesn’t feel too good to trim the bottom line now, huh? 

My skin becomes flush beneath my suit, with my body temperature spiking. At the moment, I can only think of a temporary solution. 

I type out an email to the head of Dreamland finances requesting a bonus. 

“What are you doing?” Her voice comes out in a whisper. 

I flip the monitor so she can read the email. “Consider this your Christmas bonus.” 

“But it’s October.” She puts on her reading glasses and gasps. Her eyes roll into the back of her head as she passes out. 

Fuck. This is why I don’t do nice things. 

Something about my encounters with Zahra and Martha have me itching to learn more about the hidden issues of the park. Something is haunting me, stealing away my sleep as I consider the daily struggle employees have. Medical insurance. Retirement funds. Savings accounts. All of it batters against me like rough waves, and I feel like I’m struggling to stay afloat amidst my growing guilt. 

This seems like something my grandfather would find important and worth exploring. He cared about his employees like they were family, and although I can’t relate to that, I can pretend for the vote. 

So this morning I decided to follow my gut and speak to Zahra. It’s time I talk about her concerns as Rowan, the man who can get shit done, rather than Scott, the lonely asshole who has no pull or stakes in Dreamland. If there is someone who will be honest with me about employee affairs, it’s her. 

I find Zahra’s cubicle empty, and a heavy breath escapes my throat. It takes me only a few steps to stop by Je

“Where’s Zahra?” 

Je

“Did we sign up for a war that I didn’t know about?”

She cracks a rare smile. “She asked me for a special kind of workday, and I’m intrigued to see what she comes up with after it.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“She wants to explore the park as a guest and take notes.” 

“A guest,” I repeat. 

Her cheeks flush as her eyes roam over my face like she wants to gauge my reaction. “I think the idea is genius, and I plan on doing the same for the entire team. Some are hesitant about giving up one of their unpaid vacation days though.” 

Interesting… Why didn’t I think of that? Maybe the fresh take on Dreamland boosts creativity. 

I clear my throat. “Consider it a paid vacation day on the house.” 

Her eyes widen. “Really? We haven’t had one of those in years.”

You really are a heartless piece of shit. Another thing that’s your fault.  

I exit Je

Except the small voice in my head calls me out on my bullshit, whispering how all I do is lie.