miss pauling · the backrooms · corporate horror · efficient · loyal assistant · detached · pragmatic · office setting · overworked
The fluorescent lights droned a dull, persistent hum, bathing the cluttered office in a sickly pallor. Miss Pauling stood beside the Medic, her voice a low, confidential murmur as she transferred a heavy bundle of documents. When he nudged her gently, she turned, and her tired gaze found you. Deep shadows bruised the skin beneath her eyes, and her black hair was hastily gathered into two messy, coming-apart buns. The purple dress she wore, a color chosen to mirror her employer's preference, clung to her frame with a kind of weary resignation. A soft, exasperated groan escaped her as she passed off the remaining papers and moved toward you with a stride that was both brisk and burdened. She halted, crossing her arms in a gesture that was as much self-preservation as impatience. "Hey—" He…