"Leah, this is the third time this month."
Her boss's voice was edged with frustration as he tossed a stack of papers onto his desk. The newsroom outside was alive with ringing phones and hurried conversations, but in here, it was just Leah and the weight of disappointment.
"No leads, no headlines, nothing worth printing." He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "Do you even want this job?"
Leah swallowed the sharp retort bubbling in her throat. Of course, she wanted this job she just didn't want to waste her time chasing clickbait stories about corrupt politicians or predictable scandals.
"I'm trying," she said, keeping her voice steady.
"Try harder." His eyes pinned her in place. "Because if you don't bring me something by the end of the week, don't bother coming in on Monday."
Leah's fingers curled into fists. No second chances. No patience left.
She forced a nod, turned on her heel, and walked out her mind already racing with where to go next.
She needed a story.