Chapter 14: The Reminiscence

The clock nudged quitting time, but Beth lingered at the office. A few loose ends needed tying up, and with Louis, her boss, already out the door, she plugged in her ear-buds and let a podcast soundtrack her work. The office was eerily quiet, punctuated only by the distant hum of the lights and the rhythmic click-clack of her keyboard. Suddenly, a rap on the door jolted her head up. It was Michael, her new friend she'd unexpectedly clicked with. A spark of pleasure ignited in her chest, quickly doused by a flicker of apprehension. Their last impromptu chat hadn't exactly gone according to plan with Louis busting their bubble. Despite the hesitation, Beth offered a warm welcome, "Come in!" A wide grin lit up Micheal's face as he stepped through the doorway. "Hi Beth!" He leaned in, his greeting bordering on a hug. "Easy there, strangler," Beth chuckled, swatting him playfully. "Just saying hello! So, how was your day? Work keep you busy?" His concern seemed genuine, and Beth coul