"Bennett," Richard said. "Have a seat."
I stayed standing for a second, then sat slowly.
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Richard cleared his throat. "The company has decided to restructure the department."
I stared at him. "Restructure."
"Yes."
"And where do I fit in that restructuring?"
Carla slid the folder toward me. "Your position is being eliminated effective today."
I looked from her to Richard. "Today?"
"Yes," she said quietly. "We're prepared to offer a severance package."
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I opened the folder.
The number inside was so small I actually thought I had misread it.
I looked again.
Then I laughed once, because if I hadn't, I might have shouted.
"This is a joke."
Richard's face did not move. "It's our final offer."
"Thirty-two years," I said. "I gave 32 years to this place, and this is what I get back."
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"Bennett," Carla began, "please understand this isn't personal."
I turned to her. "If you throw a man out of the building five years before retirement, it's personal."
