They told me not to tell...

"State your name and age," the voice requests. It's a woman, her voice mechanical and nearly bored in inflection. I wonder how many times she's done this to become so numb.

"Abigail, 23 years old," I say, my voice cracking as my nerves seem to steal all the air from my lungs.

"Your full name," she sighs into the overhead speakers as if I've just ruined her entire day.

I clear my throat and swallow, "Abigail LeAnn Thompson" I say a bit louder, no voice crack this time, "23 years old" I add on to prevent any further inconvenience for the unseen woman.

"Very good," she says into the speaker. I feel a sense of pride swell in me at her acceptance. I imagine my mother praising me for a job well done. It helps still my nerves, "You have signed all needed documents. You may exit the room through the red door. Thank you for choosing Elias Corporation. " she nearly chirps the last part, I can hear the smile in her voice. My mind drifts to the lengthy nondisclosure statement I signed...

Something told me I should have read it more carefully.