Seeds

I give to you a story in eleventy-one words...

Murray had planted the seeds of Darren’s departure nine months earlier.

It was at Murray’s sendoff in Tribeca. An army of finance folk littered the pretentious bar gulping overpriced cocktails and quarreling over chic seating. Murray, a fairly senior leader and Darren’s former boss, lay sprawled on a couch between his boss and the head of the department. They traded quips and thickly veiled insults. After a few more drinks, Murray was just short of sloppy. That’s when Darren heard his name spoken above the corporate din. Darren turned to see Murray pointing a finger with unfocused eyes and a stupid grin.

From Darren’s loosened lips escaped an uncharacteristic, “Oh shit.”