I wince as I enter the office. Each step I take, my eyes sting and my head thumps. A wave of nausea hits me when I stand in the lift pushed against other office workers. Thankfully the gravity pulls the contents of my acidic stomach downwards. Plus, at each floor, more and more people get off until I’m alone and can truly wallow in self-pity. Regret isn’t the only word to describe last night, and even though I wish I didn’t drink so much, I’m sure it will happen again in the future. When the lift pings, I gladly exit, even though my steps are small and unsteady. 

After last night, it truly is a miracle I even ended up at work. On time at that. 

For the life of me I can’t remember what happened after me and Miss Moon left the bar. I just catch glimpses of shot glasses clinking, a soft mattress, and a taxi home. The next thing I’m in my bed, still in my clothes, dried make up on my face and my mouth tasting distinctly of alcohol and gross saliva. Somehow, I managed to take a shower, even though I wished I could have stayed under the running water forever. I got dressed in an appropriate manner, with time to spare. I forced myself out of the house and made my way to work. Even if I felt like death. 

What makes it worse is that today is my first day as Miss Kim’s secretary. 

Just the thought makes me even more nauseous. As soon as I stand outside Miss Kim’s office doors, I don’t know what to do. I glance at the empty desk which will be my home for whoever knows how long. I glance at the other side and see an occupied desk, but no one there. I swallow, my mouth like a desert. Tentatively I knock. 

“Come in.” 

I push open the doors. I didn’t know what to expect, but the office was massive. With an overwhelmingly wide desk, shelves stacked with folders and walls decorated with awards and accolades, I can’t help but be impressed. There at the desk, Miss Kim sits, where just behind her is a plaque with the Kim’s name and a portrait of a dragon. It’s intimidating to say the least. Another woman stands next to Miss Kim. Their eyes make me nervous. They are scanning me, checking what I am capable of. I take a deep inhale through my nostrils, to steady my uneasy body. I cross the threshold and enter the dragon’s cave. I stand on the other side of the desk, my hands timidly clasped in front of me, waiting to see if the dragon will breath fire on me or show me her treasure. 

“Hello Miss Jung.” Miss Kim greets, her smile hiding her true thoughts. “This is Kim Namjoo. She will show you the standard of what I expect your work to be.” 

The other woman nods. She looks around my age and her large eyes show me a depth of kindness I’m not used to at the Dragon Corporation. 

“Please guide her well Namjoo. Although, from what I hear, Miss Jung won’t be needing