Kelly's POV
Hope came over the evening after everything went south in my world. I’d counted the hours I’d spent replaying the office over and over, the sound of Michael’s voice sharpening, and the way his hand had closed around my waist like his instinct had overridden thought.
I hadn’t slept properly since and I couldn't work properly either. I kept telling myself I was fine, and I could ignore it ever happened, since Michael didn't come to work today.
When Hope knocked on my door that evening, I almost didn’t answer. I stood in my small studio space for a second too long, staring at the door like it might accuse me of something if I opened it.
My apartment was quiet in that hollow way that wasn’t peaceful, just empty. I hadn’t bothered cleaning beyond the basics. A mug sat cold
