Melisa's mood was better than the day before. A dreamless night had offered her rare peace, and she had arrived at the office early, determined to get ahead on her tasks.
Her fingers moved swiftly over the keyboard, the hum of the computer and the occasional tap of keys filling the quiet air. For the first time in days, she felt a semblance of control returning.
But then, a shadow loomed across her desk.
She looked up, only to find Lily and Jenny standing there, a few other colleagues lingering just behind them. Lily's arms were crossed, her perfectly shaped brow arched in that condescending way Melisa had come to recognize.
Melisa gave them a brief glance before turning back to her screen, fingers stilling for just a moment before continuing.
'Maybe I spoke too soon,' she thought. So much for a good mood.
Lily leaned a little forward, placing her manicured hands on Melisa's desk, her voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness. "Working so diligently, Melisa. That's admirable."
