There is Always a Solution

Boston Literary Magazine 2017

 Grease! Grease is everywhere and I can’t take it anymore.
     We work in a lubricant factory—what do you expect—sawdust?
     No, but I’m going to speak to the plant manager about this. Don’t you think you should speak with the foreman first? Chain of command and all that.
     Fuck chain of command.
     Well, how’d your talk with the plant manager go?
     He passed me up to the vice president.
     And how’d that go?
     He walked me into the president’s office to have me explain directly.
     And?
     Put it this way—grease is no longer a problem in my life.