You and Kate had an unofficial connection, enjoying the private moments you shared, typically confined to transfer periods or the rare free hours in both your busy schedules. Lately, you unintentionally distanced yourself from Kate, neglecting visits, and your work suffered from a mental fog you were grappling with. Kate, sensing something amiss, texted you, demanding your presence in her office.

As you entered, knocking, you found her casually leaning against her table, a cigarette between her fingers, slowly advancing toward you. Using the cigarette-holding hand, she gently cupped your cheek, the other hand sweeping your hair behind your ear.

In a hushed tone, she expressed concern, noting your recent sloppiness and uncharacteristic silence, asking, "You've been sloppy and quiet on top of that too. You're never like this... What's going on in there?" She whispered , tapping the side of your forehead carefully.