Spencer Johnson, M.D.	The Present /7
Before The Stoty

Late one afternoon, Bill Green received an urgent phone call from Liz Michaels, who he used to work with.
She had heard Bill was experiencing great success, and she got right to the point. "Could I meet with you soon?" she asked. He thought he heard a strain in her voice.
Bill said yes and rearranged his schedule so they could meet for lunch the next day. When Liz entered the restaurant, he noticed how tired she looked.
After some small talk and ordering their meals, Liz told him, "I have Harridan's job now."
"Congratulations," Bill said. "I'm not surprised you've been promoted."
"Thanks, but the problems are mounting," she admitted.
"A lot has changed since you were with us. We have fewer people, but more work. It's harder to try to get everything done.
"And I'm just not enjoying my work and life as much as I'd like to.