“We spoke to the alleged perpetrator,” she says. “We took action. I can't share what exactly was done, it's confidential, but be assured that the matter was dealt with.” She draws in the air-conditioned air. Exhales. With a whistle, like a kettle. “Now. To avoid similar incidents in the future, you need to learn how to say 'no.’” That's it. I leave the conference room. Trudge to the office. Empty my locker. Collect things from my pigeonhole. Stuff them into my backpack. Sara eyes me, confused. “Do you need to give notice?” she asks. “No,” I say and walk out.
Tatiana Samokhina works in the bustling City of Sydney. She is an English teacher and fiction translator, in love with literature. Instagram: @tatianasamokhina