Alina went through her day feeling off. On the surface, nothing seemed wrong but something was happening underneath, and anyone paying close attention could see it.
At the sewing circle she pulled out the same stitch for the third time on the same collar. The thread tangled. She unpicked it, tried again but it got tangled again.
"Has that collar offended you personally?" Marguerite said without looking up.
"The thread is the issue."
"The thread is fine. I used the same spool this morning. Your mind is somewhere else."
Evelyn brought her tea. Alina took the cup and forgot to drink it. By the time she remembered it, it had gone cold. Evelyn quietly replaced it without a word.
Lady Brennan asked her about the next delivery date, and transport logistics. Alina stared at her for a few seconds before she could understand the simple question.
"Sorry. What?"
"Thursday or Friday?"
"Thursday. No…Friday. Thursday is Maren." She stopped, flustered. "Friday…Yes… Friday."
