"David!"
Bang!
The office door slammed shut as a miserable-looking Linda barged in. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, evidence of sleepless nights and endless stress. Her hair, once neat and glossy, now hung in disheveled waves around her face. Her eyes were red and puffy from endless crying.
David looked up from his desk, startled.
"Linda?" he said, rising to his feet. "What—what happened?"
She didn't answer immediately. Her hands were trembling, clutching her scarf and nose mask so tightly that green veins could be seen. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, as if the very act of breathing had become a battle.
He moved toward her cautiously, his voice softer now. "Talk to me. What's going on?"
Her lips parted, but instead of words, a sob slipped out. She tossed the disguise onto his desk and rushed into his arms.
"Please, please, please, don't break up with me, please. I'm sorry."
