ROSALINE

I arrived at work on my third day; my mind still weighed down by the tense encounter with Gerald the night before. His distant demeanor and dismissive attitude lingered in my thoughts, leaving me unsettled. It was almost like we didn't know each other, not like we didn't- I just didn't know where the energy that was blooming had disappeared to.

As I settled into my office space, I tried to focus on my tasks for the day, leaning against the table and filled with the sudden urge to scatter everything on top of it. I should be focused, and my emotions shouldn't get the best of me. My...