eets and nerves. Her thoughts had refused to settle, replaying every possible scenario of her presentation like a never-ending reel. She imagined herself stammering, forge

r, and rushed out the door, locking it behind her. As she speed-walked toward the bus stop, the sun peeked over the buildings, painting the sky in warm hues of gold and orange. The air was crisp, but the heat of the day was already settling in. It was going to be another hot day. By the time Mia reached the bus stop, the streets were already buzzing with morning activity. The hum of traffic filled the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café. Street vendors called out their usual morning deals, and office workers rushed past, their heels clicking against the pavement. She exhaled sharply, hugging her bag to her chest. The nerves hadn't settled-not even a little. A young couple stood a few feet away from her, lost in their own world. The woman giggled as the man tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary. They looked carefree, wrapped up in love and morning sunshine. Mia's chest tightened. For a moment, she wished she could be that at ease-completely absorbed in something other than the mounting anxiety clawing at her stomach. The bus finally screeched to a stop, and she climbed aboard, choosing a seat near the window. As the city blurred past, she tapped her fingers against her knee, rehearsing key points of her presentation in her mind. The ride felt both too long and too short. Before she knew it, the bus reached her stop, and she stepped off, adjusting her skirt and taking a deep breath. The office building loomed ahead, a towering structure of sleek glass and steel that gleamed under the golden morning sun. Its reflective surface mirrored the bustling city around it, from the steady stream of pedestrians weaving through the sidewalks to the line of honking cars stuck in traffic. Mia took a deep breath, steeling herself before pushing through the revolving doors. The moment she stepped inside, the shift in energy was palpable. The air carried a charged sense of urgency, a stark contrast to the leisurely pace of the streets outside. Employees moved swiftly through the polished marble lobby, their heels clicking with purpose. Some clutched files to their chests while others balanced cups of coffee, barely sparing a glance at their surroundings. The low murmur of conversations blended seamlessly with the distant ringing of phones, creating a rhythmic hum that filled the space. Near the reception desk, a group of interns huddled together, w