Sometimes you can just feel that smelling is not quite right with someone.
Jo: What’s the matter? Something’s bothering you and I want to know what it is. Why so glum?
Paul: What do you mean? Nothing’s the matter. I don't know what you’re talking about. I’m fine.
Jo: No, you’re not, I can read you like a book and I know that something’s on your mind. You’ve had a face as long as a fiddle all tonight. Has something happened at work?
Paul: Well, if you must know ….. yes …… there’s been a problem at work and I’ve been in trouble.
Jo: Serious trouble?
Paul: Well, yes and no. It’s all sorted out but it’s still worrying me.
Jo: What happened?
Paul: The day before yesterday, I did something very stupid. I entered some wrong figures on an account spreadsheet. I don't know what I was thinking.
Jo: That’s only a little mistake, I would have thought.
Paul: No. No. In a bank everything has to be right. Every little figure.
Jo: Yes, i know. But you’re only an intern and learning the job.
Paul: That’s no excuse. My little mistake made a lot of extra work for other people. When I got to the office this morning, Mrs Chan asked to see me in her office.
Jo: Ah! The scary Mrs Chan!
Paul: Exactly! I didn't know what I’d done. I was quaking in my boots. She can be really unpleasant when she wants. Last week one of the other interns had an argument with her, and she fired him on the spot. I was scared she was going to do the same with me.
Jo: You didn't argue with her did you?
Paul: Of course not. When she told me what I’d done, I knew I was in the wrong. I just apologised and stood there looking sorry. But she went on and on. I really thought she was going to kick me out.
Jo: Well, I guess she has a responsibility to make sure that things don't go wrong. It’s her job to deal with people when they make mistakes.
Paul: Yes, I know. And I didn't expect her to deal with me with kid gloves. But she could have been less unpleasant. I admitted my mistake and told her how sorry I was.
Jo: Look, you won’t be the first intern at the bank who’s made a silly mistake. And you won’t be the last.
Paul: I’m scared Mrs Chan will now send a bad report to university. I’ve been doing very well up to now. Mrs Chan has even praised me a couple of times.
Jo: Well, there you are then. She knows how to deal with people. I’m sure she doesn’t bear grudges. Just go in tomorrow with a smile on your face and get on with your work.
Paul: You think that’s what I should do?
Jo: Of course! What else can you do? Don’t go into work looking all worried and glum. Tomorrow is a new day. Mrs Chan will have other things to think about other than the mistake you made. She’ll have forgotten all about it, believe me.
Paul: You’re right. I can’t let it prey on my mind. Don’t tell Mum and Dad, though.
Jo: What is there to tell? Just a minor blip! Everyone will have forgotten about that in a day or two even you!
Paul: Thanks, Sis. You’re a star!