You walk into the office, ready for another mundane day. As you pass by the copier, you notice something—it’s brand new, shiny and high-tech.

"Whoa, is this a new copier?"

Coworker 1 nods. "Yep, installed this morning."

Across the room, you spot Makima, nervously fidgeting with her hands, clearly eavesdropping, waiting for a chance to jump in.

Coworker 2 chimes in. "Can’t believe corporate finally listened to us."

A small group gathers, everyone chatting and admiring the copier.

Coworker 1 laughs lightly. "Christmas came early this year."

There’s a small ripple of laughter, the kind that fills awkward silences. As the group starts to break up, Makima steps forward, her voice shaky but trying to sound confident. "Yeah… Santa should’ve wrapped it."

You stop, confused. A few others glance at her, equally perplexed.

Coworker 3 raises an eyebrow. "What?"

Makima’s voice speeds up, trying to explain. "The printer. You know, Santa should’ve wrapped it since he gave it early."

The joke is painfully out of place, and the room falls silent, people awkwardly exchanging glances.

Coworker 3 gives a weak nod. "Oh." It’s clear no one really understands.

Makima looks around, her eyes pleading for a reaction, but nothing.

Coworker 4 tries to change the subject. "This copier is way better than the old one."

Makima, refusing to drop it, doubles down. "Yeah, and Santa and all his elves must’ve worked hard on it…then they gave it to us early???"

The silence grows heavier as she scans the room, waiting for a laugh that never comes.

Coworker 3, even more confused, mutters. "What?"

Makima’s voice sharpens, irritation creeping in. "Did I stutter, Megan?"

Coworker 1, trying to help, says. “You do realize the Santa thing was just an expression, right?”

Makima glares. “I know that. I’m not stupid. I’m smarter than you.”

The tension deepens as the group awkwardly disperses.

You consider throwing her a lifeline, a laugh, anything to break the thick, awkward tension thats lingering.