Elena's pov
Friday morning, two days after the airport and I was still functioning.
The world hadn’t stopped.
I was going through the motions, answering emails, attending meetings, signing off on budgets. Life… kept moving.
"Ms. Sterling, the quarterly reports are ready for your review."
I looked up from my computer screen, blinking at Patricia standing in my doorway.
"Thanks," I said. "Just leave them on my desk."
She set the folder down and left quietly.
I stared at the documents for a moment, then went back to my email.
Everything felt normal on the surface but underneath, there was this strange emptiness, like someone had scooped out part of my chest and left a hollow space behind.
I haven't cried or broken down, and I wasn't even particularly sad. Just quiet.
My mind drift
