The overhead fluorescent lights of the cafe hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to burrow into Amelia's skull. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, the cold ceramic of the mug pressing against her cheek. Across the small, round table, Leo was recounting another anecdote about a high-powered client he'd supposedly closed a deal with. His voice was animated, his gestures large and theatrical. Amelia blinked slowly, the words starting to blur into a meaningless stream. A wave of lassitude washed over her; the world felt distant, muffled.
Leo paused, noticing her lack of engagement. "Are you alright, Ames?"
She forced a smile, the muscles in her face heavy. "Just… tired. Long day." The truth was, she was struggling to stay upright. The warmth of the cafe, usually comforting, now felt oppressive, the air thick and heavy.
He leaned forward conspiratorially. "So, you won't believe what I saw at the bank today..." Amelia barely registered his words; her eyes kept drifting closed.
That night, she found herself scrolling through Leo's social media. Photos of him, seemingly at the office, but something felt off. The office looked… generic. She compared them to the bank's website and saw the pictures had been taken in a library.