Avogadro Corp.

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David Ryan turned sideways and pushed through a gap between a sequined dress on one side and a suit on the other. He stood on tip toes, and craned his head to see over the crowd. He smiled at the sight of his wife’s blonde hair, only ten feet away. An arm jostled him, and champagne sloshed towards the rim of the three glasses he was balancing in his hands. Shuffling forward through the dense crowd, he finally rejoined his wife Christine, who was chatting with Mike Williams, his lead developer and good friend. He handed them their glasses with relief.

Glancing around, David saw that the annual Avogadro Corporation Christmas party was completely over the top, just as everyone expected. Another banner year at the world’s largest Internet company meant another no holds barred party. Avogadro rented the Portland Convention Center, the only venue large enough to hold Avogadro Corp’s ten thousand Portland employees. The theme this year was the Roaring Twenties. While a Jazz band played, usually reserved Avogadro geeks danced and swiftly became inebriated on free alcohol. Glasses chimed in toasts, lights flashed, and laughter sounded from all around. David glanced at Christine, who looked stunning and exotic in a black sequined flapper dress. David smiled again, happy to be celebrating, and with good cause. His project was successful. He was married to a beautiful, brilliant woman. He had a great friend and technical lead in Mike. He had every reason to be happy.

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