The One Thing

It is another day in the office, plugging away at your keyboard. The internet is acting up again — not good enough to stream videos but not bad enough that your shared documents are not loading, so it is workable if you are modest. There is a gentle hum all around you as the sounds of the AC, computers, office gossip and the faint honks of traffic outside all blend into one white noise that sets the tone for a good hour of productive report writing. All seems well until you hear a distant chair slide back. You spot Terry getting up from his desk out of the corner of your eye. For the past year, he has been your go-to guy for all things media because even though he is not in the media team, he always has the design flair that quickly transforms a presentation from dull to professional and fancy. It seems he is heading towards your desk. Terry is quite the catch if you squint just right with an average height, an athletic build, and the occasional warm smile. He is sporting a t-shirt and joggers with his trademark grey hoodie. “He would have been perfect for my cousin Kate,” you think to yourself, “if not for that one thing.” You hold your breath as he approaches your desk and gives you a nod. He goes: “There is a small change in this ad banner I wanted to point out” and reaches across your table for the mouse as you lean back in your chair, but it is too late. Your nose wrinkles and your eyes start to water as wave after wave assaults your senses until you are screaming inside like, “Bro! WTF! C’mon!” Terry has body odour. That’s the one thing — end of story.