[Panel 1]
FINLEY the goldfish hovers near a table with a lit lavender candle next to an incinerated marshmallow bag and rake. Her expression is anxious.
FINLEY (thought bubble):
“Unattended flames are the fourth leading cause…”

[Panel 2]
FINLEY continues to look nervously at the candle while her lip twitches
FINLEY (thought bubble):
“…of”

[Panel 3]
FINLEY sneezes

[Panel 4]
The candle, spilled coffee and incinerated marshmallow bag and rake land directly on DONNA, who has just walked into the room. FINLEY looks horrified.

[Panel 5]
DONNA stands covered in soot and flower debris, arms out. FINLEY hovers in front of her, stunned.

[Panel 6]
DONNA stands stunned and soaked, still soot-streaked, looking at FINLEY.
FINLEY:
“I’m allergic to lavender”

CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT

CHAPTERS

Scents and Sensibilities

From Donna’s Desk


There’s nothing quite like the moment your team member accidentally flings a charred rake, candle wax, and a cup of coffee at you, and means well the entire time.

Here’s what I was reminded of today:

  • Dignity is not about avoiding disaster. It’s about staying upright when someone says, “I’m allergic to lavender” and you're still smoldering.

  • No one is immune to a workplace mishap. Not the boss, not the intern, not the goldfish.

  • And sometimes, the most humanizing thing a leader can do is absorb the chaos… and carry on.

So I’m curious:

  • Have you ever accidentally taken out your boss, with words, objects, or wildly misjudged enthusiasm?

  • Or had an employee do something so mortifying you had to laugh before you could respond professionally?

  • What did you learn about yourself from the way you handled it?

Drop a comment. Share a story. Or tell me the moment you realized composure wasn’t about being in control, but about being able to nod calmly, even while covered in marshmallow goo.

I’ll be at my desk.
Slightly damp. Fairly unbothered.

Donna

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