In the story, an employee meets with a manager to discuss a time-off request for her brother's wedding, but the request is denied due to the manager's insistence that work should take priority. The manager mentions that changes will be made within the company. The conversation shifts as another employee, Denise, is called in for her quarterly performance review. The manager begins to address Denise's recent expense report, suggesting a formal evaluation of her performance. The scene highlights workplace dynamics, including conflict over personal priorities and professional expectations.