Where did it go?

The woman grabbed a cereal bar and raced out the door. She dug around in her purse as she approached her car.

Where was that-

She stopped mid-stride and held the bag wide open. She searched first with her eyes. Then again with her hands. Then with a fierce combination of both.

It was missing.

Maybe it's in the apartment.

She raced back into the apartment, threw her bag onto the counter, and thought hard.

Where could it be?

Ah hah! The bathroom.

She ran into the bathroom. Toothbrush. Face care products. Sink. No, the item she sought wasn't in the bathroom.

Perhaps it's under the bed.

She dropped to the ground and peered behind the bed skirt. Nothing except for an old fashion magazine.

Certainly I didn't lose-

She ran into the kitchen. Maybe she had left it on the counter next to her empty coffee mug.

Or maybe it got stuck between the cushions of the couch.

Or under the coffee table.

No. No. And negative.

I should look in my car. Maybe it's been there the entire time.

So she searched under the seats, in the trunk, and under the mats.

It's lost, she thought. I've lost it.

I've lost my job.

...

After a week of searching all around town, she stumbled upon a small one.

This'll do for now.

And she was okay.