Corporatehorror Stories

They said ambition was dangerous - they never said why. After the sudden death of the company's legendary boss, an intern is "chosen" as the new CEO. But the office hides something ancient and hungry... and the title "Mr CEO" is a curse that demands blood. How far will he go to keep the power - and the monster inside him quiet?

Only for the Summer is a quiet corporate horror about policy, comfort, and the danger of being taken literally. In an unseasonably warm May, Bob, the only man in his department, casually admits during a performance check in that he envies his female coworkers. Their lighter business attire seems better suited to the rising heat. Days later, management announces a new "comfort equity initiative." Effective June 1, all employees in the department must follow the women's dress code. A stipend will cover wardrobe and salon expenses. The department is pioneering the program. Bob assumes it is temporary. Only for the summer. Unable to justify quitting due to rent, insurance, and a stagnant job market, he complies. At Muriel's Boutique and Salon, he is issued a full wardrobe and "complete compliance" treatment under company guidelines. What begins as discomfort gradually becomes relief. The lighter fabrics solve the heat problem. The bra becomes necessary. The corrections from coworkers feel like support. By midsummer, he moves through the office with ease. As summer wanes, Bob expects the policy to revert. Instead, in a calm meeting with HR, he is reminded that the initiative was built on his own words. He said he envied them. Equity required alignment. There was never an end date. Fully integrated and financially dependent on the stability the company provides, Bob returns to Muriel's for fall fabrics. The building remains warm. Comfort, after all, is now policy.