A Lame Short Short

Loosely based on true events

"How's it going?"

She groaned. "I hate the whole world."

"That well, huh?"

"Shut up." She waved her hand dismissively.

"So, when you do think you'll be done?"

"Shortly before I kill myself, I hope. Now get out of here!"

"Hey..." he said soothingly, reaching over to pat her shoulder. He only got in a couple of pats before needing to move his hand to avoid a swipe from her. "Only trying to help and all that."

"No, you're trying to be obnoxious. Go. Away."

She looked up in surprise as he jerked her chair back from the desk. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

"Rescuing you." He leaned on the chair, preventing her from scooting back. "You, my dear, need a break."

"But..." her anger was dissolving into something more like despair. "I need to..."

"Hush. It can wait five minutes, and you'll work better for it. Come on."

She tried to push him away, as he was now blocking her view of her computer screen. "But I know what you mean when you say 'break.' I won't be back here for hours if you have your way."

"And you'd enjoy every minute of it."

She sighed. "I just can't today. I have so much..."

"No," he said, cutting her off. "No objections. You're starting to get sad and then you won't be good for anything."

She looked a trifle stung. "But..."

"No buts, even. Though you do have a very nice one." She managed a small smile at that. "Now, get up and come hang out with me." He took her hands and tugged on them.

"But..." she allowed herself to be pulled out of the chair. "My work..."

"Shut up," he said affectionately.

Here's why I posted this