Unwelcome reminder

I get this email message from our HR assistant :

“This is regarding your dependents enrolled under Intellicare, please drop by at HR anytime tomorrow for a brief discussion about the premium payment. Thanks”

I knit my brows. I already paid the extra premium payment because my father was over the age limit.

I approach her workstation and she explains. Long story short, our HMO changed the renewal date from 28 Feb to 01 April so I need to make extra premium payment for my father's health insurance to cover for the extra two months (that is 14 months’ until Mar 31, 2006). My heart felt like a ton of bricks so I had to let out an awkward laugh. Took me about ten seconds to find the words, hoping that the intentional delay would allow her to remember that there is no need for that extra payment. Then I quickly realized, she just joined the company and would probably not know about my dad.

So I tell her, “You see, my Dad died in May so....”.

She mumbled “Oh” and checked her list again. “Oh yeah..I will ask our provider's recommendation..”

I held back a reply. Instead I say, “ Ohkay. Let me know then. Thanks.’

I left in a huff towards the ladies room. My mood went downhill from there.