"Reta."
The call had made the owner of the name startled because it was suddenly said and broke the silence that was created between the two of them, Ella and Reta. Reta could easily guess that the one calling her name was none other than Elle.
"Sorry to startle you." Elle hastily apologized. She didn't expect what she spoke in a slow voice to still have such a shocking effect. Perhaps the quiet condition and the slightly awkward atmosphere caused it to happen. From the moment they stepped into the elevator, there were no chats. They were both silent, even though they both knew that their office was on the same floor. Elle recognized Reta because the woman's job was in her charge.
"It's okay, Ma'am," Reta replied after she calmed herself down. "What is it?"
