the sterile hallway

at me, her face a mask

The permanent position

ate. I had the highest performance reviews, the most ove

came out quiet

decision based on compassionate grounds. Your husband, Matthew, he came to us. He explai

band.

in my stomach. It was the same feeling I'd had in my last life,

id off a year later, replaced by a fresh university graduate. I became a housewife, ra

, I

ng husband, holding Nicole's hand. I saw my own child, my swe

y child had said, "She suppor

me, a rage so pure it fe

day, this exact moment. The

this

ghtening. The grief, the shock, it was all st

ce surprisingly steady. "Thank

steps even and controlled. I didn't go hom

to Director Anderson's of

ed up, s

Is everyth

a form on her desk. "I'd l

cal aid program? Gabrielle, this is a two-year assignment in a ve

ware,"

take you hundreds of miles away

the one who felt so strongly about helping som

words hang

aying here, under the circumstances... it would be difficult for everyone. This

m confusion to a dawning, uncomfortable understanding. She

ked up

But anyone who completes it is guaranteed a senior per

sive stroke. "I'll approve the transf

, Director

of victory. My new