Chapter 12: Dos and Donuts - Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Jolene arrives at work hungover after her disastrous lie to Cliff. She discovers through the messaging glitch that Caitlin has been receiving early inventory data from Rhonda weeks ahead of schedule. Jolene decides to use her own access to Gregory's inbox to get the same data and beat Caitlin fairly. While browsing Rhonda's inbox, she finds an enormous backlog of tasks Rhonda has ignored, including a folders labeled "Things to Figure Out," and a suspicious corporate credit card statement that suggests Rhonda may have reported her own card stolen. Jolene also notices Rhonda makes daily unanswered calls to the same outside number. Jolene then finds Caitlin's password folder and records the passwords for later use. Cliff arrives with a box of mini donuts and sheepishly tries to befriend the team. His awkward interaction singles out Jolene, sparking gossip. He invites her to meet after work by the parkade elevator. Feeling guilty after her cold reaction, Jolene reconciles with Cliff via message. The coworkers devour all the donuts and complain about the size, leaving Jolene frustrated. She saves Cliff's "Not Poison ;)" note.

Key Events

Jolene reads a DM revealing Caitlin and Rhonda are colluding to give Caitlin early inventory data, giving her an unfair advantage.
Jolene accesses Gregory's inbox and finds the branch data has already arrived, allowing her to compete fairly without the glitch.
In Rhonda's inbox, Jolene discovers a folder of ignored tasks called "Things to Figure Out," evidence Rhonda has been misleading Gregory.
Jolene finds a credit card statement suggesting Rhonda may have stolen her own company card to cover a personal expense, then reported it missing.
Jolene sees Rhonda calls the same outside number multiple times daily, never getting an answer, and writes the number down.
Jolene finds a subfolder in Caitlin's inbox titled "Passwords" containing all of Caitlin's work login credentials.
Cliff arrives with donuts, receives a cold reception, and tries to connect with the team; he specifically acknowledges Jolene, causing gossip.
Jolene and Cliff exchange DMs, and she apologizes for her distant behavior, agreeing to meet after work.
Coworkers eat all the donuts, complain they are too small, and leave Jolene resentful.

Character Development

Jolene: Continues to feel guilt and anxiety after her lie to Cliff, but also grows more determined to beat Caitlin fairly. Her compassion surfaces when she feels sorry for Cliff’s humiliation, leading her to apologize and agree to carpool.
Cliff: Despite his high position, he shows vulnerability and a genuine desire to be liked. His attempts at friendliness are met with hostility, revealing the office's toxic culture. He remains kind to Jolene, not holding her coldness against her.
Caitlin: Exposed as a schemer who relies on insider help. Her password folder (using insecure, self-aggrandizing phrases) reveals her arrogance and carelessness.
Rhonda: Portrayed as disorganized and possibly dishonest; the evidence suggests she has been stealing from the company and avoiding work tasks for months.
Armin: Initially believed to be gaming all night, but he denies it, hinting that something else kept him awake—possibly related to Cliff's arrival or personal stress.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Surveillance and Power: Jolene's ability to read coworkers' private messages and inboxes gives her hidden knowledge, but also isolates her. The glitch is both a tool and a burden.
Workplace Hierarchy and Hypocrisy: Managers (Rhonda, Caitlin) abuse their positions by withholding information or stealing, while lower-level employees like Armin and Jean are ignored or dismissed. The donuts become a symbol of Cliff's attempt to bridge the gap, but his gesture is rejected.
Loneliness and Connection: Jolene and Cliff both experience loneliness in the office. Their tentative connection via messages contrasts with the superficial interactions around them.
Deception and Guilt: Jolene's lie to Cliff continues to weigh on her. The chapter shows how small deceptions (Rhonda's card, Caitlin's passwords) accumulate and corrode trust.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 12 deepens the tension between Jolene's ethical boundaries and her desire for justice. It provides concrete evidence of workplace corruption (Rhonda's incompetence, Caitlin's cheating) and a crucial password that may unlock more secrets. Cliff's awkward visit humanizes him and strengthens Jolene's emotional conflict: she feels sympathy for him but is trapped in her own web of lies. The chapter also sets up a potential alliance (or more) between Jolene and Cliff while widening the gap between Jolene and her coworkers. The daily unanswered phone calls hint at a mysterious, possibly poignant side story involving Rhonda.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Jolene decide to record Caitlin's passwords rather than use them to sabotage her?
Jolene knows that using the passwords to send messages would be traced and could get her fired. She only intends to access Caitlin's locked folders, a more subtle form of spying that aligns with her goal of staying under the radar.
What do the donuts symbolize in this chapter?
The donuts represent Cliff's attempt to connect with the team in a genuine, non-threatening way. The coworkers' dismissal of the gesture—eating them all and complaining about the size—reflects the office's toxic, ungrateful culture and their rejection of Cliff's friendly overtures.
What might Rhonda's daily unanswered phone calls signify?
The persistence of the calls (four times daily for at least seven months) suggests a personal ritual or a deeply ingrained habit. It could indicate Rhonda is attempting to contact someone who has cut her off (a family member, a former friend) or is trying to reach a number that is no longer in service. The behavior hints at a secret loneliness or unresolved conflict in Rhonda's life that parallels Jolene's own isolation.

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