Mr. Demonio: The Insufferable Boss

Go Get Some Refreshing

I had wanted to request day off for a while now, but I always hesitated, thinking my cantankerous boss wouldn’t grant it after just a few months of working here. But this time, I simply couldn’t hold back. I desperately needed both a mental and physical break. Whether he approved or not, I had to try.

A muffled call reached my ears just after I knocked on the door to my boss's office. I opened the door slowly. He hated it when someone barged in without warning. He seriously had so many unnecessary rules.

He seemed busy behind his laptop screen. He didn’t even look up when I walked in. The Boss always appeared to be "busy" for some reason. I don't know if he really is though.

"Boss," I called out, trying to capture his attention. "Here’s the survey report from last week."

He glanced at me briefly before returning to his work. "Just put it on the table. I’ll read it later."

"Alright," I replied quietly.

He muttered something under his breath, ignoring me. Ugh, why was it so difficult to ask for day off? Just last night, out of frustration and anger, I felt like confronting him directly. But now...

"Hm?" My boss mumbled, glancing up at me, interrupting my thoughts. "Anything else?"

I swallowed hard. "Uh, well... Boss, can I request a leave of absence?"

He looked at me, eyebrows furrowed. "Leave?"

"Yes, Boss." I nodded. "Just two days; it’s not long."

"Why do you want day off?"

Why, he asked? It was obvious I needed a break to clear my mind. I scratched my head absentmindedly, "I want to take a little.. vacation, Boss."

His fingers froze above the keyboard, and his gaze sharpened like a lion ready to pounce. "A vacation?"

"Yes, Boss." I cursed myself for being so honest. Couldn't help but grinning awkwardly. "Wouldn't it be beneficial, Boss? Taking a break helps relieve stress, and that way, creative ideas can flow more easily."

He seemed to consider it. Staring at me with contemplating look. "Just two days, Boss. Or even one day would be sufficient," I quickly added.

"Well, I suppose that’s a brilliant idea," he replied, smiling at me with an oddly intense gaze.

"Does that mean I have your permission, Boss?" I beamed, filled with hope.

"Yes, I’ll check with the manager first."

Yay! I clenched my fist, elated. It turned out asking my difficult boss for leave wasn't so hard after all. I just needed to give him a logical reason. I excused myself, walking out with a smile plastered on my face, so happy that I didn’t notice something was amiss.

Why did he have to check with the manager first? Shouldn't he be able to approve my leave directly? But I shrugged off the thought.

***

Ding.

The elevator doors opened slowly. I stepped out with a few other employees. That Bella just left me in the cafeteria. I had only gone to the bathroom for a moment but she's gone already. This is what happens when you have a friend who only remembers you when they need something. Once their desire is fulfilled, they forget about your existence.

Just earlier, when the clock struck twelve, Bella whispered to me, asking if I would be going to the cafeteria today. I looked around slightly. Ah, no wonder she asked me. Apparently, her close friend, Karla, wasn't coming to work today. But I still nodded and said yes. At least I would have company for lunch. But now I regretted agreeing to her invitation.