𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐈𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 ━ 𝐉𝐢𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭

- 2 | first impressions -

First impressions

The sun was just beginning to rise when Marceline stepped out of the hotel, the early morning air crisp and cool against her skin. The streets of Scranton were quiet, with only a few cars passing by, their tires humming softly on the wet pavement. She had spent the last few hours preparing for the day—going over potential scenarios in her mind, making sure her clothes were neatly pressed, and doing her best to push away the lingering anxiety from her nightmares. Today, she would officially begin her new life at Dunder Mifflin, and she wanted to start it off right.

Marceline had a simple breakfast at a nearby diner, the kind of place that smelled like coffee and frying bacon. She sat at the counter, nursing a cup of coffee as she watched the morning news play on a small TV mounted above the grill. The familiar hum of normalcy in the diner calmed her nerves, the mundane routine of breakfast helping her settle into the idea of this new chapter in her life.

———

As she walked into the office building at 9 AM sharp, she was immediately aware of the subtle buzz of activity around her. The office was small and unremarkable, yet it had a distinct energy. There was something comforting in its mundanity. She was about to step into the unknown, but she could already sense that this place, with its odd quirks and charm, might just be what she needed.

Marceline's thoughts were interrupted as she walked into the office, noticing a camera crew stationed near the entrance, their lenses following her every move. She hesitated for a moment, thrown off by their presence, but quickly composed herself. She had been told about the documentary crew filming a day-in-the-life of the office, but knowing about it and experiencing it were two very different things.

She took a deep breath and continued toward the reception desk, where Pam, the receptionist, greeted her with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Marceline," Pam said, her tone friendly. "How are you feeling?"

"Nervous," Marceline admitted, glancing at the camera as it zoomed in on her face. "But excited, too."

"That's totally normal," Pam assured her, giving a quick smile to the camera as well. "First days can be a bit nerve-wracking, but everyone here is really nice. Well, most of the time."

Marceline nodded, trying to ignore the feeling of being watched. "Thanks, Pam. I appreciate it."

———

[Interview with Pam]

The camera cuts to Pam in the small conference room. She's sitting comfortably, her hands folded in her lap as she talks about Marceline.

Pam: "Marceline seems really nice. She's definitely a little nervous, which is understandable, but I think she's going to fit in here."

Pam glances away for a moment, thinking.

Pam: "It's always a little weird to start a new job, especially here with, you know, Michael and... everything else."

She smiles warmly.

Pam: "But I think she will handle her first day really well. I think she's stronger than she lets on."

———

Pam led Marceline through the bullpen area, where the sales team was already at their desks. The camera followed closely behind, capturing every introduction.