“Finally,” Brenda sighed. Another late night at the
office was behind her. And the project was finished.
She was relieved, and happy to go home. She’d sleep in
a little tomorrow, to celebrate. She glanced at the
clock. 12:30 AM. How did it get so late? She picked up
the phone and called her husband.
“Hi, babe,” came his sleepy response.
“I’m done. On my way home.”
“Oh, good. Wow, look at the time. Be careful, I worry
about you out by yourself so late.”
“I’m fine, John,” she replied. “I only have to go to
the garage and get my car.”
“I know, but you never know. Just keep an eye out.”
“Okay, promise. See you soon. Love you!”
“Love you, too,” said John, and hung up.
Brenda dropped her phone in her purse and walked out
of the office, locking it behind her. The building was
mostly dark, with a few lights on to make the halls
navigable. She rode the elevator to the lobby. The
night guard was apparently on his rounds.
Stepping out in the street, the Venezuelan humidity
slammed her in the face. A sheen of sweat sprang up
almost immediately. What did we do before air
conditioning? She wondered. The garage was just across
the street. Brenda was thankful for that. She usually
wore heels to the office because she felt more dressed
that way. The short dress was for comfort, so much
cooler in the heat than any kind of pants.