I had been friends with this person for more than five years. Some time last year she sorta turned on me and we stopped being friends. We were still friendly, but you know when things change like that... it just sucks.

I am not her boss, so it's not like I was actually the person who fired her. However, I was the person who did all the legwork for her boss, and I brokered the deal that got her severance and notice instead of just getting the boot a few months ago. I did all the interviews to find her replacement. I was objective and dispassionate throughout, doing my best to be helpful to her in finding a new position while doing my job in supporting her boss by giving him what he wanted, which was to get rid of her. She keeps telling me, "God will provide" when I ask how her job search is going. I don't know how to help someone who says that.

But today he kicked her out, three days early from the deal. And I had to tell her, go through all her files with her, take her badge and keys, drive her to the Metro. She wouldn't hug me good-bye—she couldn't get away from me fast enough.

I dropped her off and then just drove. I didn't know what to do. I was so sad. I felt like I was the one who had been fired. I finally stopped in a mall parking lot and cried. This whole day sucked. I hope she finds a job soon. recommended