For a moment Akiko could say nothing from the shock, her mouth dry as she felt waves of heat, followed by chills, flow through her. She couldn’t have actually been fired, surely?

“I’m sorry?â€ It sounded lame even in her ears. Mr Kanayama cleared his throat again.

“You’re fired, Ms Tanahata. Please collect your personal possessions, and then leave the office.â€ He was still looking at the desk, refusing to meet her eyes.

“What for? What have I done?â€ As she said it, an edge of anger crept into her voice, even as it settled into her mind. It wasn’t fair. She hadn’t done anything unethical.

“As I said, you are clearly not up to this job. I’m afraid that I cannot justify continuing to employ you.â€

“What, unlike Megumi? She’s constantly late preparing things, forgets half of what anyone asks her, and hasn’t managed a project without a mistake while I’ve been here. Why isn’t she being sacked?â€

“This isn’t about Ms Ito, it’s about you, Ms Tanahata.â€

“It’s because of her father, isn’t it. I don’t have a rich father you daren’t offend, so you are happy to sack me when you need some sort of scapegoat.â€ Even as she said it, Akiko felt her anger taking over. A small part of her mind was warning her to be careful, but she didn’t listen to, didn’t <em>want</em> to listen to it.

Mr Kanayama had flushed, and now he did look up.

“Don’t insult my integrity, Ms Tanahata. How can you even suggest that I would fire you for anything less than a good reason? Or that my attitudes to Ms Ito are influenced by who her father is?â€

“Maybe you’re screwing her, then.â€ The small part of Akiko’s mind winced as she said that.

“How dare you!â€ Mr Kanayama almost shouted the words, his face now bright red. “I was obviously right to fire you before your attitude could cause the company even more problems. Now, are you going to leave by yourself, or do I have to call security and have you escorted out?â€

Akiko drew breath for a stinging retort, but suddenly realised that she had nothing to say. Nothing that would make a difference, anyway. Nothing that was worth wasting energy on. She let the breath out again, slowly, and then nodded. She couldn’t bring herself to make any polite noises, and simply turned her back on her boss. <em>Former</em> boss, she reminded herself, as she let herself out of the office.

She pulled her personal property out of her desk, piling it on her chair as she looked around for something to put it in. Satomi arrived before she had finished, and Akiko avoided her co-worker’s eyes, continuing with the job as if there was no-one there. She knew Satomi was looking at her, but the other woman didn’t try to say anything as Akiko picked up her things and left, and Akiko was almost grateful enough to turn back and say good bye. Almost, but not quite.

At the lifts, Megumi was just coming out.

“Akiko, where are you going?â€

Akiko managed to bite back her response, letting the lift doors close behind her, hiding her from Megumi and anyone else in the office.