You knew something was off before you even saw Regina. And that was because you didn't see her. You and Regina had built up somewhat of a routine recently. Everytime it was her lunch break, she would visit Granny's to get a coffee and order some food. You would serve it to her just before your lunch break. And then you would spend your breaks talking about how your days had been, how you were doing. It was a comforting little routine, one that Regina hadn't expected herself to grow so fond of.

As of now, you hadn't seen the Mayor for days, and you were starting to worry. You tried texting her, and she didn't answer that, either. Your mind began to wander; you settled on visiting her office before it could wander into too much worry.

After your shift, holding a cup of the coffee you knew she liked in your hand, you knocked on Regina's office door, awaiting an answer nervously. For a moment, you heard nothing, and considered knocking again or even trying the door. But just as you went to, you heard shuffling footsteps from the other side, heels catching against the ground as the person behind the door approached to open it. And then you saw her.

"Regina?"

Regina looked terrible. There were heavy, dark rings under her eyes, her nose was a little red, and her appearance was overall dishevelled - her already pale skin had grown paler, too. Regina sighed as she caught the concern in your eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Don't look at me like that. This is nothing. I'm fine. What did you need?"

Regina asked, frustration trying to bury her weary undertone. She tried to shift the topic onto you, rather than onto the truth that she wasn't okay which was staring you in the face.