Changes From a Sunset by Aileen Friedman

Standing in front of the elevator doors, Number One is the winner today. Well done Number One, I say to myself in a Japanese accent. I laugh out loud as I stare at the doors, wondering what it will be like when the cartoons are up. The elevator stops, and I take a deep breath before walking out and into the marketing office. Josh, Greg and Brett are looking at a huge board covered in cartoons. They’re all laughing so I guess Josh approves of their work. ‘Hey Tali, this is awesome, I can’t believe you came up with this,’ Brett says, lifting the board so I can see which one they’ve finally agreed on. ‘Oh so much for the secrecy, thanks Josh.’ I look at him and from the look on his face I can see he knows I’m displeased. ‘I’m sorry Tali, it was a slip of the tongue, but credit must be given where it’s due, you know,’ he adds sheepishly. ‘So you’ve decided on this one then?’ I say, turning my focus to the board and ignoring Josh’s last statement. I pick up the board, happy to see that they’ve agreed on my first choice. ‘I must admit, it’s pretty amusing. Well done you guys. Think this must be a first in any building ever. Maybe you should patent the rights to it, Josh? You could become famous one day.’ I smile at him thinking that perhaps I shouldn’t always be so sarcastic. ‘And if I do, don’t think you’ll be getting any royalties,’ he smirks. I tell Greg and Brett again it’s a great effort and then leave. ‘You should see the cartoon for the elevator doors, it’s actually quite brilliant,’ I say to Sondra and Cheri as I walk back into the office, ‘should be up in about a week’s time.’ ‘Maybe you’ll get a raise, as it is your idea!’ Cheri says absentmindedly.