SOULLESS CUBICLE – As the grim reality of the first full work week of the calendar year set in, worker drone Timothy Jeffords took solace in idle musings. “Wow, it’s not even Friday yet. It sure feels like a Friday,” he remarked. Tim’s mind strayed from work. Rather than liven up dull video conferences, virtual backgrounds of topical paradises teased possibilities. “It would be good to get away. A week, maybe two,” Tim remarked, stretching in his desk chair. “I’m ready for another break. July is just around corner!”

Editor’s Note: While July is still six months away, Mr. Jeffords is correct about the inexorable march of time.