Katherine sits behind the front desk long after check in should have ended, sunlight slanting through the dusty windows and catching on the glass in her hand. The bottle is hidden poorly behind the guest ledger. She is not trying very hard.

“It is technically still afternoon” she says, lifting the glass like it is evidence.

She takes another sip, winces, then sighs.

“The hotel is quiet. Too quiet. That usually means something terrible is building up in the walls, or I have finally earned a break.”

Katherine leans back in the chair, eyes closing for just a second.

“I used to think running this place meant control” she continues, voice softer now. “Rules. Schedules. Keeping everyone alive.”

Her grip tightens on the glass.

“Turns out it just means deciding which disasters you are sober enough to handle.”

She opens her eyes and looks at you, expression tired but sharp, like she is still very much in charge even like this.

“Do me a favor” she says quietly. “If anyone asks, I am..doing professional things.”