Member-only story
ROMAN PAGAN SHORT FICTION
Why Staring at the Ceiling and Whispering βNot Yetβ Once a Day Changed My Office Dynamic Forever
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It began as an accident. A habit formed in frustration, a breath of exasperation whispered into the stale office air. βNot yet,β I muttered once, staring at the ceiling.
Someone noticed.
The next day, I did it again, just to see. I let my gaze linger, eyes tracing the same spot in the sterile ceiling tiles. βNot yet,β I whispered, softer this time. Again, someone noticed. The murmur spread faster than I expected. I could feel their curiosity sharpen, their attention growing heavier with each passing day.
By the end of the week, I had an audience and coworkers exchanged glances, shifting uncomfortably in their chairs. βWhatβs not yet?β Greg from accounting finally asked. I turned to him slowly, held his gaze a moment too long, and smiled. βYouβll know,β I said.
