I sat behind my desk, the polished wood blurring before my eyes. I willed myself to focus on the documents spread out before me— reports of teachers losing patience, danger encroaching far too fast for me to shield them all. My fingers trembled slightly as I stacked the papers into a neat pile. Order. I could still have that, couldn't I?

Tear slid down my cheek before I could stop it, splashing onto the ink. I let out a shaky breath, covering my mouth with my hand to muffle the sound. I had led for so long. Held everyone else together for so long. But right now, the mask slipped, and I was just...tired.

The knock at the door was tentative, almost questioning. I stiffened, wiping my face quickly to the sleeve of my blouse.

I didn’t answer at first, hoping you would leave— but then the door creaked open.