Brenda's Post-it Paradox: A True Escape

"Synergy Solutions Inc." was never one to shy away from mandatory fun. Their latest brainchild: "The Enigma Emporium's 'Escape the Mad Scientist's Lab'!" Brenda from Accounting, a woman who considered 'fun' to be an hour of uninterrupted spreadsheet time, eyed the dimly lit room with suspicion. Chad from Marketing, however, was practically vibrating, already trying to dismantle a prop beaker.

Two hours, three non-sequitur puzzles, and one near-choking incident with a prop skeleton later, the team faced their final challenge. A cryptic note read: "To unlock the path to freedom, offer a true testament to your collective unity." Chad suggested a synchronized interpretive dance. Sarah from HR mumbled something about "synergistic alignment." Brenda, whose patience had evaporated faster than a spilled coffee on a Monday, simply scribbled "SEND HELP" on a yellow Post-it note, slid it under the door, and slumped against the wall.

A moment of stunned silence. Then, with a distinct *click*, the heavy oak door swung open. Standing there, not the grinning escape room host, but a stone-faced Fire Marshal Jenkins, clipboard in hand. He glanced at the dishevelled team, then down at the "SEND HELP" Post-it sticking out from under the door. He sighed, rubbed his temples, and without a word, waved them out. "Just... go," he muttered, probably wondering if it was a fire hazard to have that much desperation in one room. Brenda considered it a personal victory.