By the time Valle got home that evening, her feet ached, her mind full and her body screaming for rest.
She kicked off her shoes, dropped her bag by the door, and collapsed onto the couch in the parlor. The silence of her small apartment felt comforting after a day of introductions, whispered warnings, and unspoken pressure.
First day survived, she said to herself.
Almost without thinking, she reached for her phone.
The anonymous chat app opened and a notification appeared almost instantly.
MysteryFriend92: So… did you survive your big first day?
Valle smiled.
Valle: Barely. I think my heart is still somewhere in the office elevator.
A reply came quickly.
MysteryFriend92: That bad? Let me guess, intimidating coworkers and unrealistic expectations?
She laughed quietly, curling her legs beneath her.
Valle: Actually, the coworkers are great. It's the boss that is terrifying.
MysteryFriend92: Ah. The legendary boss, every office has one.
Valle: Mine apparently scares the whole floor without saying a word.
There was a pause. Then
MysteryFriend92: Silent bosses are dangerous. You never know what they're thinking.
Valle tilted her head, this has caught her interest.
Valle: You sound like you've met someone like that.
MysteryFriend92: Maybe I've been that boss.
She frowned at the screen, then typed back.
Valle: If that's true, remind me never to work for you.
MysteryFriend92: Too late. I already think you'd be a great employee.
Her chest warmed at the words, even though she didn't know why.
Valle: Careful. Compliments on day one might go to my head.
MysteryFriend92: Then I'll balance it out. First days are overrated anyway. It's the second day that decides everything.
Valle paused, fingers hovering.
Valle: Why the second day?
MysteryFriend92: Because that's when people stop pretending and start showing who they really are.
The message lingered on the screen longer than the others.
Valle leaned back against the couch, suddenly aware of how easy it felt to talk to him
No expectations.
No pressure.
Just words flowing naturally, like they'd known each other longer than they actually had.
Valle: You're very good at this encouraging strangers.
MysteryFriend92: No, maybe I just know what it's like to be watched.
Her heart skipped.
Before she could ask what he meant, another message appeared.
MysteryFriend92: Get some rest, girl. Big second day tomorrow.
Valle smiled softly.
Valle: Goodnight.
MysteryFriend92: Goodnight to you.
She locked her phone, staring at the ceiling.
Somewhere in the back of her mind, an unsettling thought surfaced.
The way he joked.
The way he seemed to understand.
For a stranger, he felt… dangerously familiar.