Errant Thoughts Story, Part 15

Friday morning found Susan stepping off the bus in front of the Job Services building. She dreaded her required weekly visits here; it wasn't just the waste of time, but also the hopelessness that clung to all the people inside. There were rules to follow to receive unemployment and the longer she went, the more demanding they were. She was expected to apply for ten jobs each week, but not more than once a month for each business. In an economy where more businesses shut down each week than ever before, it had become extremely difficult.

Inside, every computer terminal was busy and the lines to the front desk were full of listless applicants, gazing blankly at motivational posters. She watched a man reading a brochure on being laid off, smiling with understanding as outrage crossed his face and he dropped it back on the table. She had read the same brochure and remembered the suggestion that the laid off worker send thank you cards to their former manager and company owner thanking them for the opportunity to work there. Ha!

Finally reaching the counter, Susan answered the same questions asked the previous week by another bored state worker in a thankless position. They both knew there wasn't anything that would change in the coming week, but were forced to go through the motions. A sudden commotion farther down the counter interrupted their exchange and everyone in the room stopped to stare.

"What do you mean I can't get unemployment? I got laid off!" The man's face was red and he thumped the counter with his fists.

"Your employer wasn't paying their unemployment insurance and now has declared bankruptcy. There aren't funds for any of their former employees to receive benefits." The woman behind the counter was backing away nervously.

"That's not my fault! What am I supposed to do?" People turned away in discomfort at the tears running down his cheeks.

"There's nothing I can do. You could go to Social Services and sign up for foodstamps. Maybe someone there will have more information." She pulled out a box of tissues and placed it in front of the distraught man in the most human gesture Susan had ever witnessed here.

When she finally finished and escaped, Susan's head was pounding and her shoulders ached from being hunched up in a posture she recognized as defensive. As she turned towards the bus stop, she groaned out loud, just then remembering she didn't have enough money for the ride. Wishing she had worn her running shoes, she began the five mile walk home.

That afternoon, Susan decided to check on the apartment she would be working in as housekeeper/caretaker. On the ground floor and a few doors down the hall, she let herself in and looked around. Smiling, she recognized it as one she had cleaned and painted last winter. South-facing, instead of a balcony there was a small patio area. A few pieces of mismatched furniture that she suspected had been left behind by previous tenants were placed around the rooms. She could only hope that there were items from the nursing home room that would make this feel more homey.

Checking the closets, she found the cleaning supplies she had requested and decided to wash the windows and patio doors now and open them up to let in some fresh air. While she was working, the landlord's wife bustled in. Susan hadn't met her before and came in to introduce herself. "Susan! Of course, I'm Bonnie. This week has just about run me off my feet! I'm an insurance claims adjuster and that takes all my time, plus getting everything ready for Iris to move in. Well, you can imagine. Now, can you put away these groceries since you'll be cooking and might as well have everything where you like? Have you looked around? What am I forgetting?"

Susan was amused by Bonnie's non-stop movements and tongue; she appeared to be in her forties and had smile lines etched on her face. "Actually, I'd like to wipe out the cupboards before putting things away so let's leave them on the counter for now. Is Iris bringing much with her like pictures and pillows? Or maybe she prefers things to be uncluttered? I think you've got all the basics she will need."

"Hmmm," Bonnie spun slowly around, looking over the apartment. "You know, she loves knick-knacks and little pillows with tassels and all that stuff. There might be a box or two in our storage still from when she went into the nursing home." She looked at her watch and swore. "I have to run look at a car now but I'll go check after. Go ahead and move anything around you want, just leave room for her rocking chair and remember she uses a walker. I'll be back this evening."

Susan got busy wiping out the refrigerator and cupboards so she could put the groceries away. Then, after considering the angles, she shifted the television and loveseat around so the sun wouldn't glare off the screen. Closing her eyes, she tried to remember her grandparent's house. "Doilies. Doilies and houseplants and a cat." Looking around again, she knew why it didn't feel right, but didn't know what to do about it. Sighing, she locked up and went upstairs to start supper.

Part 16