Snapshots of a life, lived

The Hardest Day

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of Miscarriage

It was a day where there wasn't enough makeup in the world to cover the bags under Autumn's eyes — a blaring sign that her sleep had been plagued with nightmares and she had been up far too early — but it didn't stop her from going into work.

"My love, are you sure you don't want to take today off?" Winter asked as they prepared to leave. "I can call out as well so you won't be alone."

"I would rather be at work."

And that was the end of it. In a way Winter was relieved; he would also rather be at work today than at home with nothing but Autumn to distract him. But he would have done it for her.

The people who knew Autumn knew better than to say anything when she walked in looking a bit like a zombie. They quietly asked Winter if she was okay, and accepted it when he simply nodded and got to work setting up the toddler room.

"Morning Autumn!" Deliah chirped as Autumn walked into the office suite. They'd decided to put her near the door of the suite because she was unnerving enough to deter most parents who just wanted to complain but didn't have any substance to it.

"Deliah," Autumn greeted her curtly, going straight to her own office. Deliah leaned over her desk to watch Autumn walk away, then pulled up Slack to message Reece.

Deliah

Autumn looks rooooooooooooough

Reece read the message as he sipped his coffee, then looked up to track his sister's movements across the suite. She had the office near the back, closer to Marjorie, which Reece tried not to be too jealous about. It was just because they had worked together longer and Marjorie trusted Autumn. And yup, Deliah was right. She definitely didn't look like she was in the best state. He thanked Deliah for the warning, then messaged Marjorie.

Reece

Looks like Aut is having a bad morning.

Marjorie read the message, and looked up just in time to see Autumn walk by her door. Oh boy.

Marjorie

Should we ask?

Reece

I value my life too much for that. Just keep an eye on her, I think. Maybe don't let her talk to parents.

Marjorie

Good idea

Everyone who knew Autumn knew better than to push her. Unfortunately there was a wild card among them now.

"Hello Autumn."

Janice's voice made Autumn's skin crawl. It was just so syrupy sweet and utterly disingenuous. She gave the copy machine a little more focus than it really needed as she tried to ignore the woman. "Hello."

"You've been hiding in your office all morning." The fake concern was dripping off Janice's voice. "Is everything okay? Do you need to talk?"

Not to someone who was bending Roger's ear on the regular. It was such a small thing that didn't matter, but the less he knew about Autumn and her life, the better. "No."

"Are you sure?" Janice tilted her head. "You look like you haven't slept a wink. I'm always happy to provide a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on."

Autumn finally looked up to meet Janice's gaze. "No," she repeated coldly.

"I see." Janice looked Autumn up and down. "You know, it seems like you come into work distracted most of the time. It's amazing you get anything done. I can see why Roger calls you the disappointment."