A mechanical clatter came from my keyboard in the dark office. Too late—way too late—but I didn’t care. Hours passed, work that barely kept me focused. My eyes burned from the fake light on my screen, but I refused to stop. I refused to think.
And Audrey had finished her project! The work that kept my mind and hands busy was done. There were no more emails to send, no deadlines to meet that kept me moving. And now, without it, the silence was deafening.
I shoved my desk away and rubbed my temples. The weight around my chest squeezed me to death. I would think about him if I stayed here too long. About Elon. About his smile, how his little hand fit in mine, how he used to cuddle against me when he was scared.
No. Not tonight.
I grabbed my coat and left the office, my heels clicking agai
