NIGHTMARE : underneath the surface

CHAPTER FIVE

The office buzzed with the usual morning chatter, but my mind was still clouded with the remnants of yesterday's chaos. I settled into my chair, trying to shake off the embarrassment from the break room incident. Just as I began to focus on my work, I felt a presence beside me. It was Helen, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Hey, Alex," she said softly, her voice cutting through the noise. "I noticed you hurt your foot. Are you okay?"

I glanced down at my bandaged foot, a reminder of my clumsiness in the kitchen. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, forcing a smile. "Just a little cut. Nothing to worry about."

Helen studied me for a moment, her eyes searching for the truth. "You sure? You seemed really shaken up yesterday."

I nodded, grateful for her concern but not ready to dive into the depths of my turmoil. "Really, I'm okay. Just... a lot on my mind."

As I spoke, I caught a glimpse of Diva from the corner of my eye. She was seated at her desk, her gaze fixed on me, a mix of worry and something else—was it jealousy? I quickly turned my attention back to Helen, trying to ignore the tension that hung in the air.

Meanwhile, two of my colleagues, Mark and Lisa, were joking nearby, their laughter ringing out like a bell. "Hey, Alex! Did you trip over your own ego yesterday?" Mark teased, a smirk on his face. "Or was it just your foot that got in the way?"

Lisa chimed in, "Yeah, maybe you should consider a career in gymnastics instead of accounting!"

I forced a chuckle, but inside, I felt the familiar sting of humiliation. I was used to being the punchline, but it didn't make it any easier. Helen shot them a disapproving look, and I appreciated her silent support.