Every day felt heavier than the last. Sami's relentless presence cast a long shadow over her life, making it harder to breathe, let alone think straight. He was not part of her story, she reminded herself. He would never be.
Leena sat in her office chair, lost in thought, her mind drifting between distant memories and the pressing weight of her current reality. She barely noticed when the manager entered, instructing everyone to rise—the boss was about to arrive. Startled, Leena scrambled to her feet, following her coworkers' lead.
The man who entered was striking, even intimidating—a tall figure, clad in a black suit that seemed to absorb the room's light. His presence exuded authority, and he moved with the kind of composure that only years of experience could bestow. There were others with him, but Leena's attention remained fixed, her view partially blocked as she stood toward the back of the room. She tried to catch a better glimpse, sensing an odd pang in her chest, but Sam's sudden entrance near the boss distracted her. Sami lingered in the background as well, intensifying the unsettling tension.
Then, as the man began his speech, Leena finally saw his face. Her heart lurched. A wave of shock washed over her, as familiar yet unspoken emotions clawed their way to the surface. Her breath hitched, her vision blurred. Tears stung her eyes and began streaming down her face unbidden, her lips trembling as she struggled to steady herself. Her fingers gripped the edge of the desk, but her hands trembled, sending her belongings tumbling to the floor. The noise pulled everyone's gaze her way, but she could barely register it—her world had narrowed to the pain she'd tried so hard to bury.
With her head down, Leena pushed her way toward the bathroom. She barely noticed colliding with someone at the doorway, mumbling a hasty apology as she hurried past. Once inside, she locked the door and pressed her hands over her mouth, as if they could contain the sobs that threatened to break free. But it was too late. Her strength gave way, and a torrent of pent-up grief and anguish surged forth, echoing in the small space. For those few, agonizing minutes, she allowed herself to feel everything she had fought so hard to ignore.