The Space Between Us

Finding Refuge

The days turned into weeks, and the tension in the office only seemed to grow, the whispers that had once been sporadic were now a constant hum in the background, always just out of earshot but never far from my mind It felt like everyone was watching, waiting for me to make a mistake, to prove that their suspicions were true

Despite Rebecca's reassurances, the weight of it all was becoming unbearable I threw myself into my work, trying to drown out the noise with deadlines and projects, but the pressure was relentless It was only a matter of time before something had to give

It happened on a Friday afternoon, just as the office was beginning to wind down for the weekend I was at my desk, reviewing a manuscript that seemed to blur together as I tried to focus my eyes burned from staring at the screen for too long, and my head ached with the effort of trying to push through the fatigue

I was so absorbed in my work that I didn't hear Jenny approach until she was standing right beside me. "Emma," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay?"

I looked up, startled by her presence. "Oh, Jenny, I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile that I knew didn't reach my eyes. "Just a bit tired, that's all."

She didn't look convinced. "You've been working really hard lately maybe you should take a break, get some fresh air."

"I will," I promised, though the idea of stepping outside felt impossible there was too much to do, too much at stake

Jenny hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, but don't push yourself too hard. You're allowed to take a break."

I nodded, grateful for her concern even if I couldn't bring myself to follow her advice as she walked away, I turned back to my screen, determined to finish the manuscript before the day was over

But as the words blurred together again, I realized I wasn't making any progress my mind was too cluttered with everything else the whispers, the doubts, the fear that I was on the brink of failing

The thought made my chest tighten, and suddenly, I couldn't breathe I pushed back from my desk, my heart racing as I stood up the room felt too small, the walls closing in around me I needed to get out, to clear my head before I completely fell apart

I grabbed my coat and practically ran out of the office, not stopping until I was outside in the crisp autumn air I leaned against the building, taking deep breaths, trying to calm the panic that had taken hold of me

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake the feeling that everything was slipping through my fingers

Just as I was beginning to feel like I might be able to pull myself together, my phone buzzed in my pocket I pulled it out, expecting another work-related message, but instead it was from Rebecca

Are you okay?

The concern in her words only made the knot in my chest tighten I didn't want her to worry about me, not when she had so much on her plate already but at the same time, I couldn't lie to her not after everything

I'm outside, I replied, my fingers trembling slightly as I typed. I needed some air

There was a brief pause before my phone buzzed again

Stay there I'm coming down

I barely had time to process her words before I saw her walking toward me, her expression a mixture of worry and determination she didn't say anything as she reached me, just took my hand and led me around the corner, away from the prying eyes of the office

When we were out of sight, she turned to face me, her hands still holding mine. "What's going on, Emma? Talk to me."

I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. "I don't know," I whispered, my voice breaking. "It's just... everything I'm trying so hard to keep it together, but I feel like I'm failing like I'm not good enough."