OUR UNFINISHED PAIN

1. Fractured Morning

There's a stillness to the early morning that feels heavy, like the world is holding its breath and so am I. I'm lying flat on the bare hardwood floor, staring at the ceiling with my hands rested stiffly over my stomach. My back hurts from the wood, but I don't move. When the alarm finally starts beeping, I shut it down instantly, the silence rushing back into the room like it never left. I didn't even sleep last night. Slowly, I push myself up from the cold floor and slip on my slippers, the soft creak of the floorboards the only sound in the house.

The bathroom light hits me like a sudden gust too bright, too soon. I squint at my reflection in the massive mirror that takes up an entire wall. The woman staring back in her grey pajamas looks washed out, her skin pale and the shadows under her eyes darker than they were yesterday. It's hard to remember what it feels like to wake up without this weight clinging to me.

 I glance down at the small clock resting on the edge of the sink. Seven a.m. It's too early to be awake, but too late to turn back now. My eyes drift from the red numbers back to my reflection, landing on my dark chocolate hair where the ends rest against my hips. It's a wild, untamed mess. I gather the length of it into a bundle, sliding the black band off my wrist to pull it all into a high ponytail. I let out a hollow sigh that carries the weight of every sleepless hour and worry I've been trying to ignore. This day, like so many others, doesn't feel like a fresh start; it just feels like a long, unavoidable chore.

After a quick shower, I move to the closet. The dark clothes are there, waiting like old friends safe, familiar, unremarkable. I pull on my usual black pants and black blouse and a black blazer. The colors are armor, shielding me from what lies ahead.

Coffee steams in the microwave, and I scroll through blinking emails on my laptop screen the constant drip of tasks and updates providing a rhythm to cling to. But beneath it all, there's a quiet storm brewing that today might bring. I glanced at the screen again and stood up putting everything in my tote bag, putting on my shoes before lifting the call.

"I'm coming downstairs in a minute' i informed the driver who is already waiting for me. I stepped outside and the chill in the air jerked my senses. that's Seattle for you. the ride to my office is approximately 30 minutes excluding the traffic.

Today is the day. The merger. Sterling, and Blackwood Industries. This morning is the first time I'll actually stand in a room with the Blackwood team My stomach tightens into a hard knot, but I force a breath and steady myself. This is my work. This is my responsibility.

I've already done a final run-through with the team and double-checked every document and presentation scheduled for the conference. I'm pacing the floor, clutching the final papers tight enough to crinkle the edges, when a knock hits the door. It's my assistant, Lucy.

"Ms. Eden? It's time," she says, her voice cutting through my focus. "The Dean called for you."

Near the entrance, the last-minute greetings are being rehearsed. Our CEO and Dean Sean are huddled together in a serious discussion until they spot me. "Ms. Harper, the day we've been waiting for is finally here," the CEO says, his eyes locking onto mine. "We're counting on you." I offer a humble smile and a small nod. "Certainly. I'll do my absolute best," I reply, though I can feel the Dean hovering, his chest puffed out like he's the one who mentored me. It's a lie, but today isn't the day to call him on it.

The convoy pulls up in front of the building, a line of sleek vehicles stopping in unison. The CEO, the Dean, and the rest of the company dignitaries step forward to play the part of the welcoming committee. It's all practiced smiles and polished suits as the Blackwood team climbs out, adjusting their jackets and shaking hands with wide, fake grins plastered on their faces.