Between the desks

Chapter 2

Elizabeth's pov

I step into my office, and it feels like time never moved. Everything is exactly as I left it weeks ago. The familiar scent of old books and polished wood hits me as I stand still, taking it all in.

The tall bookcases line the walls, filled with volumes I've collected over the years. My dark brown wooden desk sits at the center of the room, sturdy and timeless, the surface a little cluttered but just the way I like it. A large window lets in a soft, natural light, illuminating the thick, woven carpet beneath my feet. It's a warm, welcoming space—my second home.

I linger in the middle of the room, breathing it in. The books on the shelves seem to call my name, each one a reminder of why I love this job. Why I chose to teach English in the first place. My love of words, of stories, of the worlds hidden between pages—it's all here, surrounding me. Everything is still, waiting, just as I left it.

A new day at campus. A new semester. I feel a mix of excitement and nerves swirling inside me. I grab my bag and head out to my first class, mentally preparing myself. On the way, I pass familiar faces, colleagues moving about their own routines. I offer quick greetings as I go.

"Olsen! Hey!" A voice breaks through the chatter, and I turn, already smiling before I even see her.

Cate stands there, beaming at me, her voice carrying that raspy, confident tone I've come to love. She's a bit older, her short blonde hair perfectly styled as always, and dressed in her signature suit. I stride toward her and we embrace, a familiar warmth in the hug.

"Hey, Cate! How've you been?" I ask, grinning as we pull apart.

"I'm great, thank you. How about you?" she replies, her smile still bright despite the demanding day ahead.

"I'm good. We really need to catch up—coffee later?" I suggest, feeling the ease of being around her.

"Absolutely. How about this afternoon?" she offers.

"Deal. See you then." I flash a smile. "Good luck with your classes, Cate."

"You too, dear. Bye!" she waves as we part ways, heading in opposite directions.

I chuckle to myself, remembering the first time I met her. She seemed so intimidating—stern, sharp, always in her suits. But after our first coffee together, I realized she wasn't just a colleague; she became one of my closest friends. Her kindness and wisdom made her someone I admire, and working alongside her has been one of the best parts of this job.

I reach my classroom, opening the door to the familiar scent of books. The air feels a little stale from being closed up over the break, so I walk to the windows, pushing them open to let in the fresh breeze. My eyes scan the room—two large bookcases in the corner, and a cozy sofa tucked near the shelves. I walk over to the sofa and sink into it for a moment, savoring the quiet before the students arrive. New year, new chances.

After a minute, I get up and set my bag on the desk. I flip open my laptop, catching up on emails and sending out a few quick responses. The quiet hum of productivity fills the room, but before long, I glance at the time. It's almost class time.

I grab my cup and head out for a quick refill of tea, the excitement building inside me. Here we go, I think. Another year, another chapter.

_____________________________________________________________

Hey guys! What you think? Please let me know. I'm very critical about my work.

Thank you for reading! Have a nice day. ❤️‍🔥