The Watering Hole

Like every day, the office breaks were at the water cooler, or Watering Hole, as someone dubbed, to listen to the latest gossip. Tom knew everything about everyone at the office. Everyone went, in fear that this time might be something about them.
“So there I was, filing papers for Mr. Johnson, when I see Sara and Duncan sneak off into the supply closet,” Tom said grinning.
“I knew it!” Dorothy exclaimed, glancing around. Funny, Sara or Duncan weren’t there.
“Yeah, they’ve been at it for well over two weeks now.” Tom paused to take a sip of water. “It’s just like Carol and John.”
“No!” Dwight finally managed to push through the crowd to get a cup of water. “Carol and John?”
“What have they been up to?” Dorothy clutched her paper cup intently.
“Well,” Tom took another sip, longer this time as he glanced around at the anxious eyes. “Carol is pregnant.”
There were gasps all around. “She isn’t married!” someone in the back said. “He is married!” came a response. They heard Mr. Johnson’s heavy footsteps approaching, alerting them to scatter.
“So, is it true, Tom?” Dorothy whispered, slowly making her way to throw her cup away in the trashcan.
“We’ll have to see until next break,” Tom smirked. He turned and chuckled as he walked back to his cubicle.


Heading to break, you can already see the nosey group salivating for their gossip. You sigh, and hope Tom isn’t talking about you.
You try to edge your way to the water cooler. You sure are thirsty. So many people in such a small space.
You hear Tom mention your pal, John, messing around with Carol and gasp in disbelief. Carol and John? At least you finally get a cup of water.
Sipping your water, you listen to Tom stretch this out, make everyone itch in anticipation. You think how much Tom must really enjoy being the center of attention, but then perk back up when you hear that Carol is pregnant. Carol pregnant? She isn’t married. You nod as someone says John is. You know his wife well. Ruth and your wife, Martha, play cards every weekend. This is not good.
The loud thumping of Mr. Johnson’s footsteps is a signal to scatter. You try to quickly gulp down the rest of your water before you head to the wastebasket. You glance at Tom, you is chuckling at himself.