The next morning dawned bright, the sun casting golden streaks across the city skyline. Lyla stepped out of the car, clutching her tote bag to her side. A nervous flutter stirred in her chest. The tall glass building of her company loomed in front of her, familiar yet strangely distant.
It had been months since she last walked through these doors. Her memory didn't stretch that far anymore, but the feelings lingered—the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the reception, the soft clacking of heels in the hallways, the welcoming buzz of life in the creative department. She took a deep breath and walked in.
As soon as she stepped into the lobby, the receptionist—May—stood up abruptly, her eyes widening. "Miss Lyla! You're back!"
Lyla smiled politely. "Hi, May. It's good to see you."
