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Learning Curves Ahead

“Hello,” she greeted me in a melodic voice. “I hope you’re finding everything okay on your first day?”

“Yeah,” I choked out, offering what I hoped was a reassuring smile. “Everything’s great.”

“Wonderful!” She clapped her hands in delight, then smiled even more brightly. “Well, I’m glad to hear that. My name is Kathy Caper – you can call me Kat or KC, if you like – and I’m your new trainer.”

“Trainer?” I echoed, images of Kathy as a whip-wielding lion tamer in jodhpurs and riding boots suddenly flashing through my mind. I could think of worse punishments— I stopped the wayward thought as she turned her attention to my clock.

“Oh, delightful!” She beamed. “Such a nice touch to your space.” She focused her blue eyes on me again, still smiling. “And of course I’m your trainer! We wouldn’t want to just throw you to the wolves on your first day without showing you anything. That would be awful! So,” and she patted her clipboard and its brief agenda, “I’m going to teach you everything you need to know.”

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