Just as I made my way down the hallway, my phone buzzed violently in my pocket, startling me out of my spiraling thoughts. I pulled it out and saw Kristen's name flashing on the screen. A rush of warmth spread through me, momentarily cutting through the anxiety that coiled tightly in my chest.
"Hey," I answered immediately, trying to mask the heaviness in my voice.
"How are you?" Kristen's voice was a soothing balm against the chaos of the day.
"I'm good," I replied, forcing a smile even though she couldn't see it. "What are you doing?"
"I just completed some work," she said, the faint sound of typing in the background punctuating her words. "I just wanted to say, I wish you good luck for tomorrow. I believe in you. I love you. Do your best, okay?"
