"I have—"
"Nothing," Richard interrupts. "You have nothing that can't wait. Go home."
I nod. I don't argue.
We walk out together. At the elevator bank, Richard pauses and glances back. "Good work, Sam."
I take the elevator down alone.
***
I drop my bag on the floor next to my desk and sink into my chair.
The adrenaline is gone. My shoulders slump forward, and a heavy, bone-deep exhaustion settles into my spine. I stare at the blank screen of my phone, trying to make my fingers work.
I open a new group chat. Tom, Priya, Nadia, Liv.
It's a GO! ??
The responses come instantly.
Priya
I KNEW IT
Nadia
CALLED IT
Liv
Told you. Competence wins.
Tom
Proud of you.
I smile at the screen. My eyes are stinging. I blink hard and type back.
Drinks tonight? 6 PM? Fair warning—I'm too exhausted for more than one.
Priya
We'll take it.
Nadia
Where?
I name the bar two blocks from my apartment.
Tom
I'll bring Wren if that's okay.
I pause.
Perfect.
