"In the Dark"

Chapter 20: A Brief Escape

As I stood before Mrs. Johnson, trying to explain my latest mishap, the door swung open and Dr. Quinn, our General Head, walked in. Her authoritative presence commanded attention.

"What's going on here?" Dr. Quinn asked, her sharp eyes scanning the room.

Mrs. Johnson pounced on the opportunity, her voice dripping with disdain. "Lena's performance has been subpar, Dr. Quinn. She's constantly zoning out, missing deadlines, and failing to deliver."

Dr. Quinn's gaze shifted to me, her expression neutral. "Lena, what's happening?"

But before I could respond, Mrs. Johnson continued, her tone venomous. "She's been a liability to the team, Dr. Quinn. Her lack of focus is impacting our overall performance."

Dr. Quinn's eyes narrowed, her gaze still locked on me. "That's enough please" Her voice was firm but calm. "Lena, come with me immediately."

My heart sank. Was I going from the frying pan to the fire? Mrs. Johnson's scathing critique still echoed in my mind, and now I faced the General Head's scrutiny.

"Y-yes, ma'am," I stuttered, feeling a sense of trepidation.

As I followed Dr. Quinn out of Mrs. Johnson's office, I felt like disappearing into thin air. Was I in for another tongue-lashing? My goodness!!!

Dr. Quinn led me to her spacious office, the atmosphere noticeably calmer than the hell I came out from. She gestured for me to take a seat.

"Lena, what's going on?" Dr. Quinn asked, her voice gentle but probing. "You've been struggling lately. Is everything okay?"

I hesitated, unsure how to explain the strange visions, the mental lapses, and the overwhelming sense of disconnection.

"I-I don't know, ma'am," I admitted, feeling a lump form in my throat.

Dr. Quinn leaned forward, her eyes locked onto mine. "Lena, I've known you for years. You're an exceptional employee. Something's bothering you. Tell me what it is."

Her kind tone and genuine concern caught me off guard. For the first time, I felt someone was truly listening.

I sat still like a log of wood searching for words to explain the unexplainable. But my mind was a jumbled mess. I didn't understand what was happening to me, so how could I articulate it?

My gaze drifted to the rug beneath my feet, the intricate patterns and swirling shapes mesmerizing. I stared at the delicate floral design, as if the answers lay hidden within the threads. My eyes traced the curves of the rug's border, my mind numb.

Dr. Quinn's gentle voice broke the silence. "Lena, it's okay. You don't have to explain. Sometimes, we just need time to recharge."

But I didn't respond. My attention remained fixed on the rug. I ran my tongue over my lips, my fingers absently tracing the shape of my mouth. It was as if I hoped to find the right words hidden in the creases of my own skin.

Dr. Quinn's words barely registered. "Take some days off, Lena. Get yourself together. We'll re-evaluate your priorities when you return."

My nod was automatic, my eyes still locked on the rug. The designs seemed to shift, like the pieces of my fragmented thoughts.

"Thank you, Dr. Quinn," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Dr. Quinn's expression softened further. "Lena, remember, your well-being is paramount. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."

I took the card she offered, my fingers brushing against hers.

"Thank you ma'am," I whispered again, my voice below a whisper.