The airbrushed retirement cake read, “Happy Retirement Barry”.
Barrie felt the misspelling was a Crisco laden representation of how irrelevant his position had become.
Swing top trash cans overflowing with solo cups and paper plates, conveyed an end to the festivities.
Back at his desk, it was laden with outdated office supplies. The office hummed with impersonal clicking on laptop keyboards, a cold replacement for face-to-face conversations.

Barrie felt a hand on his shoulder.
“You ready Dad?”
He looked up at his Son, “Time to pass the torch I guess Son”.
I’ll take care of it Pops!
100 words
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff to write a 100-word story based on photo prompt. You can find other stories based on this prompt here

-Goroyboy
Like Barrie, I suffer from name mis-spelling quite a lot, and you can’t help but feel it’s a slight in certain situations! Still, hope Barrie enjoys his freetime!
No doubt, Lol out of courtesy yours happens to be one of the names I double check the spelling of:)
And I thank you for that! 🙂
The least they could do is get his name right, I guess. It’s funny how personal that is. Poignant.
Thanks for commenting Sandra. People are constantly getting my first and last name mixed up. With a name like Ray Roy, Its understandable and try to make light of it.. poor Barrie, at least his son brought some sunshine..
After all those years and they couldn’t get his name right? That’s awful and sad at the same time. He’ll show them in retirement I’m sure. They’ll be stuck in an office, while he’s out travelling and golfing. 🙂 Good story!
Haha yes Go Barrie!! Thanks for commenting
Very well-developed atmospheric piece. Time marches on doesn’t it.
Thank You MSJADELI for the kind comment. I am not quite that old yet but I have left a few jobs and attended a few “Going away “ parties.
Wow! You are truly a gifted storyteller, Ray. 💜
Thank you my dear friend ❤️
Time never stands still, but I feel for Barrie
Thanks for spelling his name right Lol Yes Time waits for nobody. I appreciate you checking out the story.
Lovely!
The passing of the torch is both a happy and sad occasion. Nicely written
Thanks Laurie! The loving hand on his shoulder, Barrie was in good hands.
Misspelling, possible…. But when it’s your son throwing the party? Enjoyed!!
Thanks Roger. I was thinking of the same thing.. his son being the president of the company. probably had one of his assistants do it.. But, attention to detail is important, especially in matters of the heart.. thanks for dropping in.