The offices of Lyric Industries looked different after hours.
The constant hum of activity had softened into silence, broken only by the faint buzz of fluorescent lights and the distant echo of a closing elevator. Amelia Hayes adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder as she shut down her computer, the screen going dark in front of her.
She glanced at the time.
Later than she’d planned—again.
Ever since she’d started working here, the days seemed to stretch longer than they should have, as if the building itself refused to let go of anyone too quickly. Still, she didn’t mind the work. It kept her focused. Grounded. Busy enough not to think too much.
She gathered her things, smoothing her skirt out of habit, and stepped out of her cubicle. Most of the floor was empty now, desks aba
