Love Me [Jim Halpert]

Twenty-Two

BRANCH CLOSING

It was a typical Friday at the office, with the staff focused on their tasks Jan wandered in, breaking the routine, "There she is," Michael exclaimed, surprised by her appearance in his office. "Jan Levinson." A smile crept up his face.

"Michael," Jan greeted, closing the door behind her.

"First thing in the morning. I love to start my day with a hearty bowl of Jan," Michael said, his tone low and gruff.

"Michael."

"Just call me Levinson. In the morning. Baby," Michael harmonized with a smirk.

"Michael."

A smile played on Michael's lips, "Yes?"

"I'm here to tell you that we are closing the Scranton branch," Jan finally disclosed.

Michael's face fell, his brows knitting together in confusion, "I don't understand."

"The board voted last night to close your branch."

"On whose authority?"

"The board's."

Michael narrowed his eyes as he tried to process the information, "W-what?" He stuttered.

"I'm very sorry. I-I... pssh. I don't relish telling you this," Jan shook her head. "Uh, you've been a big part of this company. And the board asked me to thank you for your years of service." She bowed her head.

"You're welcome."

Jan continued, "A small number of people will be transferred to the Stamford branch, and the rest will be getting severance packages."

Michael gulped, "Am I a small number person or a severance package person?"

"Well, we haven't made final decisions about personnel yet," Jan paused. "But you're a severance package person."

Michael shuddered, dropping his head into his hands, "Oh, my God," He moaned, his eyes glistening. "Oh, my God!" He thumps the table.

~

Outside in the bullpen, the sound of muffled shouting drifted from Michael's office, catching the attention of a few staff members. "No!" Michael's voice could be heard.

Pam watched from her reception desk, her brow furrowing with concern as Kevin strolled over, his curiosity piqued, and he perched himself against the desk, "What are they talking about?"

"I don't know," Pam replied.

"Is it serious?"

"I don't know, Kev," Pam repeated, her gaze still focused on Michael, trying to decipher the muffled voices inside.

"If you find out anything... Call me," Kevin said, miming a phone against his ear.

Pam nodded. "You got it, buddy." She offered reassurance.