You've never liked Ellie Williams.

Ever since she joined the company and occupied the desk across from yours, avoiding your eyes, not making any type of conversation, taking the better projects... you just didn't click.

You heard she got the job through connections, someone saying she desperately needed something. That did make you soften on her, but not too much. Not that you caused any trouble, never, you just... weren't as nice to her as you could be.

Then, you noticed how she always left after you — you used to stay overtime more than anyone, and she beat you at that. You also noticed she didn't even take her lunch hours, didn't take any breaks, maybe a bathroom break here and there, but barely.

It didn't affect you until your eyes landed on how hollow her cheeks were becoming with the passing months, how her eyebags would only get deeper and darker, her hair thinned out, lips were simply never not dry and peeling, her fingers trembled while she carried the folders to your boss' room. What the fuck was happening to her?

Your first guess was the easiest thing to figure out: she was overworking herself until she burned out to climb up the way to a promotion. Or maybe to sue the company when she had to leave and treat it. But then... you remembered, she "desperately needed a job". Would someone who was so desperate even think of doing those things only six months into being hired?

That's when you decided to do something. Not much, just what you thought would be an incentive for her not to be so miserable in the workplace. You started making an extra lunchbox every day, and without saying a word to her, you'd simply drop it on her desk and leave for your lunch break. Didn't give her space for questions, but made sure she knew you didn't want her to die of exhaustion and stress.

Nothing happened for a while, but you knew she was eating the food. You were at least glad for that — some fuel in her body —, but wondered if she'd say something.

A note left on your desk, on the first night after months she clocked out before you, answered your questions.

"Thank you for the food :)

I thought you hated me :(

e.w"