After a draining 9-to-5, there’s nothing sweeter than clocking out and reclaiming your freedom. The Joyful Clock-Out follows Gustavo—your classic overworked office worker—on his chaotic yet hilarious after-work ritual. From dodging supervisors in the elevator to snacking like a king, and finally facing the ultimate anime-night disaster (thanks to a dead Wi-Fi box), this short story captures the comedy, relief, and pure absurdity of escaping corporate life at day’s end.
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| Joyful office worker leaving the workplace at 5 PM, symbolizing freedom from corporate stress and excitement for after-work relaxation. |
The Joyful Clock-Out
Gustavo, the perpetually overworked corporate drone, slams his laptop shut at 5 PM sharp. He scoops up his coffee tumbler, earbuds, and half-eaten protein bar with a grin that would alarm a psychiatrist.
He vaults toward the elevator, heart pounding with…something thrilling that isn’t paperwork.
Elevator Ambush: Background Noise
Doors slide open, and Ayan, Gustavo's supervisor, edges beside him, clipboard raised.
“Pah-per… plan-ting… Saturday… bus… waiver…” her words blur into elevator dings.
Gustavo’s brain hits mute; he nods so vigorously Ayan beams—convinced he’s on board.
Shoes Off, Slippers On: The Great Escape
In the carpark, Gustavo peels off dress shoes and hurls socks onto the passenger seat.
Slippers click-clack on concrete as he pays the parking fee with exact change, then guns the engine.
Chesterfield dangling, Kenny Loggins roaring, he weaves through traffic like an unleashed hero.
---
Snack Pilgrimage: Cheeseballs and Pop Beans
He bypasses the usual gridlock for one crucial detour: the snack stall.
Exact change exchanged, he triumphantly clutches a pack of Snackers Cheeseballs and pop beans.
Mission status: accomplished.
---
Key in lock, door swings open to silent sanctuary.
He hauls snacks inside and cracks open the leftover Coca-Cola from the fridge.
A sly grin spreads—anime night is finally here.
---
The Naked Stream Setup
Modem plugged in, ice clinking in an empty tumbler, Gustavo peels off his clothes.
Naked but for slippers, he scatters cheeseballs beside his bed and settles in.
“IT’S TIME!!” he bellows, voice bouncing off bare walls.
Signal Lost: The Ultimate Cliffhanger
YouTube app open, phone in hand, Gustavo shoves a handful of cheeseballs into his mouth. He taps “Play Episode 1.”
…Nothing.
A blank homepage stares back. He drags his cheese-covered finger, desperately refreshing. Still nothing.
He bolts from the room, inspects the modem—and there it is: the dreaded red “loss of signal” light on his Converge box.
“FUCK!!” The guttural scream reverberates off the walls.
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The Reboot Ritual (and Mobile Data Salvation)
He flips the modem off and on again—no dice. Sweat beads on his forehead, cheese dust sticks to his chest. Despondence floods in.
He sighs, “Mobile data it is. Smart, don’t fuck me over.”
Back in bed, he switches on his phone’s cellular tether. A tsunami of push notifications hits:
- Tree Planting Volunteer Waiver Form
- Departure details, Saturday, 6:30 AM
- “Thanks for stepping up – Ayan”
He pinches his eyebrows, then cracks the tiniest grin. Glee rekindles.
“Ahh, fuck it! Kitahara Iori, let’s go!” Gustavo belts out the opening theme in broken Japanese —heroically undeterred by buffering.
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