Back in my office, I sat briefly before rising restlessly and heading to the restroom.

I splashed cold water on my face and stared at my reflection in the mirror. The faint pink mark from her slap still glowed on my cheek.

“Enough. I’ve had enough of people hurting me for being so weak. I won’t let you walk all over me!”

Her words echoed relentlessly in my mind, sharp and accusing.

Frustrated, I grabbed anything within reach—soap dispensers, paper towels—and hurled them to the floor. The clatter echoed in the empty restroom. Eventually, I sank to the floor, drained and defeated.

I stumbled back to my office and reached...