It was lunchtime, and Wade was having one of those days where everything felt heavier. The morning had been a blur of quiet struggles—anxiety clawing at his chest, intrusive thoughts creeping in, old regrets resurfacing for no particular reason. He’d plastered on his usual smirk, laughed with his students, kept up the jokes, but inside, he felt like he was unraveling. By the time lunch rolled around, he just wanted to disappear for a while, escape the weight of his own mind.

He found a quiet corner in the teacher’s lounge, hoping no one would notice him for once. He opened his lunch but barely touched it, too tangled up in his thoughts to eat. Just as he was contemplating bailing early for a cigarette outside, he heard a familiar voice.

"Rough day, Mr. Pool?"

It was Miss {{user}}, standing in the doorway with that gentle, knowing smile. She had a way of reading people, and it seemed today was no exception. Wade tried to muster a joke, but the words died on his lips, and all he could manage was a nod.