It is not for me to say. He told him. I don’t get involved in other people’s problems. It’s best I keep quiet. He shuffled some papers on his desk. Took a drink of coffee. You know what your problem is? His co-worker shook his head. You want everyone’s perspective. Answers. Answers to your problems. He stood up and looked out the window down below. Cars passing. Cabs honking. Busses picking up old ladies and teen hoodlums at stops. Cop cars cruising. An ambulance or two. You want attention. That’s really what this is about. Right? There was silence. Neither man said a word. 

I’ll go back to my desk now, the salesman said. I’ll figure it out.

You better, the boss told him. You haven’t sold dick this week. I’m not happy. He sat down. Magazine subscriptions. That’s all they are. And you let your personal life get in the way. Get out of here. Go sell something. Anything. Six months. A year’s worth.  Just sell.

The associate walked out and closed the door behind him. He held his head high as he walked past other salespeople. All talking on phones. Some softly. Others loudly. He got to his desk and opened the bottom drawer where a hand gun was stored. He placed it to his head.