CHAPTER THIRTEEN - TROUBLE AT THE OFFICE

    Nia exchanged a worried glance with Rosa, the kind-faced woman who worked on the floor above her. They hurried to Mr. Harlow's office, joining the small crowd of cleaners already gathered there. Mr. Harlow stood behind his desk, his perpetual scowl somehow even more pronounced than usual. He waited until the last stragglers entered before speaking. "Alright, listen up," he barked. "I've been less than impressed with the cleaning standards around here lately. So, we're going to have a little... competition." A murmur ran through the group. Nia felt her stomach clench with anxiety. "For the next week, you'll all be judged on your speed, efficiency, and thoroughness," Mr. Harlow continued. "The winner gets a $500 bonus and a day off. The loser..." He paused, his eyes sweeping the room. "Well, let's just say you don't want to be the loser." Nia's mind raced. She needed this job, and she certainly could use the bonus. But how could she compete against people who had been doing th