***

Joel held his breath and peeked around the corner. Dana and Kelsey were walking out of the breakroom. Fortunately for him, they turned left and away from him, instead of right and toward him. As the women talked, Joel noticed Kelsey remove a strand of garland from around her neck, where her earphones were, as usual.

He should have known Kelsey would be the one to decorate for the party. The girl just had way too much energy. He wondered if Dana had helped her willingly, or had just gone along to make sure the entire AquaBase was not suddenly covered in garland, lights, and tinsel.