The words landed clean and precise, like claws sliding just beneath the skin.
I stilled, just for a second. It would be a lie to say it didn’t hurt. But pain, like everything else, dulls with repetition, and I had heard worse.
Slowly, I set my tools down and turned to face him.
“Are you done talking?” I asked, my voice even. “If you are, get out. I have work to do.”
His small fists clenched instantly, his scent flaring with anger. He had probably come here expecting a reaction, maybe an argument, but I had no strength for that at the moment.
“Hmph!” he huffed, stomping his foot before turning and storming out. The door shut behind him with a sharp click.
Silence returned. I turned back to my work, exhaling slowly as I picked up my tools again.
“Focus,” I told myself. That’s all that
