Angry yelling could be heard from the senior lawyer's office
" Do you have any idea what you've done? This mistake could cost the firm everything! "
" I followed the instructions you gave me, sir.."
" Excuses! I don't pay you to think, I pay you to be right! "
" I'm sorry... "
A door opened in the office. Footsteps followed as someone walked out, holding back tears.
" Eva, are you okay? "
" I'm fine.. "
" You don't look fine.. "
" I tried my best. But apparently, it's never enough. "
She clenched her fists, forcing the tears back.
How long do I have to endure this just to prove I belong here?
Eva stood alone by the window, staring blankly at the city below. The noise of the office faded into the background, replaced by the echo of the words she wished she could forget.
Her first case.
Her first failure.
She had replayed every decision in her head, searching for the exact moment things went wrong. Maybe it was her judgment. Maybe it was her hesitation. Or maybe, no matter what she did, it would never have been enough.
A soft knock broke her thoughts.
"Eva", a voice called from behind, "The senior wants to see you. Again."
Her heart sank.
She straightened her blazer, wiping the last trace of tears from her face before turning around. Walking back toward that office felt heavier than before, as if each step carried the weight of expectation she was no longer sure she could meet.
When she reached the door, she hesitated.
Then she knocked.
And stepped inside, ready to face whatever awaited her next.
The atmosphere in the office was different this time calmer, but heavier.
The senior lawyer slid a thin file across the desk, stopping it right in front of Eva. She stared at it, unsure whether she was being tested or dismissed.
"This case," he said, "is high-profile."
Her fingers twitched.
"It won't be easy, and it won't be forgiving," he continued. "If you succeed, your name will no longer be overlooked."
She looked up at him.
"But if you fail," he added, his tone steady, "there won't be another conversation like this."
He leaned back, studying her reaction.
"I'm giving you this not because you proved yourself," he said, "but because you haven't given up."
The room fell silent.
"This case can either rebuild your reputation," he concluded, "or end it."
Eva took a slow breath before reaching for the file.
"I won't waste this chance," she said quietly.
And for the first time since her failure, she believed it.
Eva drove home slowly, rain drumming steadily against the windshield. The day's tension still clung to her like a heavy coat.
"I need a break… just a little peace," she muttered, spotting a small café tucked into the corner of the street.
She parked and stepped inside, shaking off her umbrella. The warm aroma of coffee and pastries wrapped around her.
"Hi, can I get a matcha latte, please?" she asked the barista.
"Of course! Long day?" the barista replied, smiling gently.
"Something like that," Eva murmured, forcing a small smile. She took the cup, letting the steam soothe her hands.
Finding a seat by the window, she stared out at the rain. Her mind wandered to the new case waiting on her desk. What if I fail again?
A faint, pitiful mewling cut through her thoughts. Eva turned her head toward the café entrance. There, soaked from the rain, was a tiny kitten, shivering and crying.
"Oh no… you poor thing," Eva whispered.
The kitten stepped closer, wet paws splashing in the puddles.
"Hey… come here, little one," she coaxed. "It's okay. I won't hurt you."
She grabbed her coat and umbrella, then ran outside. "Don't move," she called softly. "I've got you."
The kitten mewed again, clawing gently at her sleeve.
"You're freezing… but I've got you," Eva murmured, wrapping it in her coat. "We'll get you warm."
Back inside the café, she hurried to the counter. "Can I pay for this quickly, please? I… I need to take care of something."
"Of course, take your time," the barista said kindly, glancing at the dripping wet woman holding a tiny ball of fur.
Sitting back in her car, Eva held the kitten close. "You scared me more than I thought I'd ever admit," she whispered.
The kitten purred softly, and for the first time that evening, Eva smiled. "You know… maybe we both need a fresh start."
On the drive home, she murmured to the kitten: "We'll figure this out… together. And maybe I'll figure myself out too."
Eva finally reached her apartment, shaking off the rain as she fumbled with her keys. The soft glow of the hallway lights welcomed her, but the warmth inside still couldn't chase away the chill from the storm outside or the tension from the day.
As she pushed open the door, a familiar voice called out.
"Eva? Is that you?"
She looked up to see her neighbor, Mr. Tan, holding an umbrella and a small bag of groceries. His face wore a kind, concerned expression.
"Oh! Mr. Tan… hi," Eva said, slightly startled, her voice soft.
"You look soaked. Are you okay?" he asked, stepping closer.
"I… I'm fine," she replied, forcing a small smile, though her hair was plastered to her forehead and her coat was dripping.
"Let me help you with that," he said, reaching out to take her umbrella.
"Thanks… it's just been… a long day," Eva admitted, her shoulders slumping. She carefully held the tiny kitten she had rescued in her coat, hoping it wouldn't squirm too much.
"You've got a new friend?" Mr. Tan's eyes lit up when he noticed the small bundle.
"Yes… I found him outside the café in the rain," Eva said, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "I couldn't just leave him there."
The kitten let out a tiny mew, and Eva instinctively whispered, "It's okay… we're safe now."
Mr. Tan smiled. "You always have a kind heart, Eva. Don't let work wear you down too much."
Eva nodded, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the heater. Maybe… just maybe, not all storms are bad, she thought, stroking the kitten gently.
"I'll make sure he's settled in," she said softly, glancing down at the little creature curled in her arms.
"Well… if you need anything, don't hesitate to knock," Mr. Tan added kindly.
"Thanks… I really appreciate it," Eva replied, letting out a long breath as she finally stepped fully into her apartment.
The rain had slowed, the city outside glittering under streetlights, but inside, Eva felt a quiet sense of calm for the first time that evening. The little kitten purred against her chest, and she allowed herself a small smile. Maybe tomorrow won't be so impossible after all.