Last November

Nora sat at her computer.  She couldn't believe they gave her Netflix.  Netflix?  A gift of more computer headaches.  Of forty minutes on the phone with a young customer service rep only to be tossed to another to repeat the whole story."The card says I can get a DVD without my credit card," she told the representative.

"Well, let me speak with my supervisor."

Eight minutes lapsed.

"We can do streaming without your credit card, but not for a DVD service.  It is our policy."

"Is it your policy to lie to customers?  The card says you can do this."

"Not without your credit card on file."

"Lemme get this straight.  the deal is you will balance bill me, correct?"

"Yes, that is correct.  You will also need to go back onto your computer to cancel the service."

"Wait a minute.  This is supposed to be a gift. The gift that apparently ties me to you," she said slamming down the phone.

Nora melted.  She had had enough.  A crappy birthday, a gift from someone who should know she didn't want Netflix as she had told them time and time again.  If she had wanted it, she would have it. Simple?  She was always appreciative of kindnesses done to her  She let so much slide.  But she wouldn't anymore.  Couldn't

Netflix was the metaphor.  This would be her last November.  Not again.

"Thank you all for your friendship.  It has been...um...interesting."

She didn't fit into this world.  Not the world it was becoming.