Several weeks of this torment later…
Taylor*, my supervisor at Central: So Matt. How are you feeling these days?
Me: Literally no different
Me: well, maybe worse since covid cases are, like… real bad.
Taylor: I have decided that after my temporary transfer, I’m returning to Central.
Me: oh no
Taylor: We’re really understaffed, and you are one of the best we have. What do you think about coming back?
Me: Absolutely n-
Taylor: But! Before you answer, I want you to know that I have been informed the The Spitter has been removed from their position and is no longer a threat to anyone.
Me: The Spitter? Man, the Spitter?? The Spitter was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Your job allows you to sit behind a desk most of the day. That’s not a criticism or a value judgment. It’s a fact. My job at Central requires me to go into multiple departments every single day. I have friends who want to stop and talk to me in these departments every single day. All it takes is one person to leave their nose out in their office before I walk in to get me sick, and then me, or some other staffer gets everyone in the building sick.
Taylor: I understand your concern, but we could really use the help. That’s why I’m going back. Now that The Spitter is gone, I feel comfortable and safe going in again.
Me: The virus doesn’t care how safe you feel. Central doesn’t need my help, it needs to be closed.
Taylor: I think it’s important that we continue to distribute materials to patrons.
Me: You’re not going to change my mind. We should be working with our unions to put together a city-wide strike. They’re killing us out here! At least interfacing with the public like I am, I’m always separated.
Me, internally: Wait, is my current situation actually better or am I just being stubborn?
Me, internally: oh no I can’t even tell anymore
Taylor: It’s not that bad.
Work Email, two days later: Due to covid cases and possible exposure, Parkway Central Library will be shut down for at least two weeks.
Me: welp