Lights Out

Yesterday I stood in my co-workers office as we discussed a project I am working on. Suddenly all was black. I spun around and sure enough I could not see even a crack of light. I guess that's what happens when you work in an office with no windows.

You may recall this post when I talked about the construction at the hospital. My office borders the construction site and on some days our office shakes with what feel like simulated earthquakes.

The construction workers must have hit something because we were without power. I pushed my hands out in front of me and started walking slowly like a zombie. At this point everyone in our office suite had escaped their offices and cubes and were now fumbling together in the dark, laughing and making jokes about going home.

Suddenly power returned. I cannot tell you how awkward people look when power returns to an office. Everyone and I mean everyone was gathered around the water cooler. They all faced it as though the world were ending and filling their water bottles was their last beacon of hope. I could not help but laugh as everyone stared at each other in silence for a moment before walking away. All who gathered around the water cooler stayed to fill their bottles as though they would have all taken a water break during that time anyway.