People smile and greet me as I pass, but their voices sound distant, like echoes from another world. The usual morning buzz—phones ringing, keyboards clacking, casual laughter—blurs against the pounding in my ears. Every step toward my office drags heavier than the last. By the time I close the door behind me, the walls feel too tight, the air too thin, and exhaustion seeps deep into my bones.

I sink into my chair, dropping my bag onto the floor beside me, and stare at my desk. It’s covered in neat stacks of design proposals and client portfolios—proof that life moves on, with or without me.

A soft knock interrupts my downward spiral, and I glance up as Violet slips inside, holding a cup from my favorite coffee shop. Her expression is gentle, her eyes full of kind understanding only your closest friend can offer.

“Morning,” she says, placing the cup on my desk. “I figured you could use this.”

The familiar scent of caramel and espresso drifts up, but instead of comfort, it only makes my stomach roll. “Thanks, Vi, but I’m not sure I can keep anything down.”

She sits in the chair across from me. “I’m sorry, Mags.”

A fresh wave of pain crashes over me, and I blink, fighting back the tears threatening to spill. “I can’t talk about him anymore.”

Before she can respond, my office door opens with a quiet click, and Elijah steps inside like he belongs here. His gaze sweeps over me, slow and assessing.

“You look… tired.” He steps closer, too close, as if he’s testing how much I’ll tolerate today. “Rough morning?”

Violet straightens in her seat, throwing him a warning glance, but Elijah doesn’t acknowledge her.

I sit up straighter. “It hasn’t been a great morning.”

He moves around my desk and perches on the edge. “I worry about you, Mags. You push yourself too hard. You always do.”

I clench my jaw, my patience wearing thin. “I’m fine.”

Disappointment flashes across his face. “I’m trying to look out for you. I hate seeing you this way.”

Violet clears her throat, her tone sharper than usual. “She said she’s fine, Elijah.”

“Sure.” He pushes off my desk and stands. “I’ll be around if you need anything. You know where to find me.”

Violet gets up and shuts the door he left open. “Forget Elijah. Forget everything else for now. Let yourself feel this. You don’t have to be strong all the time.”

I nod, staring down at the untouched cup on my desk. “Thanks, Vi. For always being here.”

She reaches for my hand and squeezes. “Always. And I mean that. If you need to fall apart, I’ll be right here to help you put yourself back together.”

“It may come to that.”

“I’ve got a broom, duct tape and Gorilla Glue ready to go.”

“You’re the best, Vi.”

“I know.”