Elba

My exile from work has been completed by my supervisor.

I have been moved from my home office (which I was told I had to set up immediately in January after my demise) and twice-weekly appearances in the main Holland office, to the Allegan office. As far as news gathering goes, I am the only editorial person in the huge building. I sit in an isolated area with no natural lighting and ceiling tiles stained brown from leaking water (small trails like smudged tears run down the wall!).

The people who are in the Allegan office are very nice and have been a way for me to stay sane as my 20-plus year career is purposely destroyed.

I have been told not to come to Holland on any but the most extraordinary occasion -- or when I work weekends and holidays, of course.

I have been neutralized so I can no longer help my co-workers or even talk design with the desk people I once supervised. I expect I will be terminated by the end of the year if not sooner. It will be easy because no one will remember who I am.

Napoleon had his 100 days after Elba. I expect nothing of the sort. I will not even have the courtesy of a Waterloo.