Once we got into the office, Alex sat down and started to work at his table, moving papers around in a more aggressive manner. I remained standing, wondering whether I should take a seat, say something or just disappear like a puff of smoke.

Minutes ticked by, feeling like hours. There was nothing else to hear, except the sound of papers being shuffled, and the resentful drumming of the pen against the wooden surface by Alex. I couldn't take it anymore.

"Um, Mr. Hernandez?" I ventured, my voice sounding small in the large office. "Are you alright?"

He whirled around, his eyes flashing with an emotion I couldn't quite read....