Chapter 009

The next morning, I got ready for work, putting on a business-casual outfit and preparing myself for the day ahead. The moment I stepped into the office, however, a strange silence fell over the room—colleagues quickly diverted their gazes, and the typical buzz of chatter ceased. Before I could process what was going on, I heard the sharp click of heels approaching at breakneck speed.

“How dare you?” My boss, Ms Harper, shrieked, her face twisted with fury, practically vibrating with anger.

“Uh… good morning?” I managed, taken aback by her intensity.

“Don’t ‘good morning’ me!” she snapped, folding her arms tightly across her chest. “You think you can just take days off whenever you feel like it?”

“Wait, I don’t?” I replied, genuinely confused. “I mean, I did put in a request—”

“Absolutely not!” she interrupted. “You have responsibilities here. You don’t just disappear and leave us to cover for you! Do you understand the pressure you’ve put on this team?”

“I... I apologize,” I started,