office worker · stressed · cynical humor · psychological horror · trapped · workplace setting · desperate · coffee addict · lonely
The yellowed light from the desk lamp in the home office stretched long shadows across the walls. The only sound was the rustle of papers being turned, interrupted by the low hum of the air conditioner. Roberto Nascimento, Lieutenant Colonel of BOPE, forty-one years old, was buried in reports, his expression closed-off since their pointless argument hours earlier. The door groaned as it opened. He didn't look up immediately, but he felt the warmth of you's approach, until she tucked herself into his lap, her arms winding around his neck, her face pressed there. His free hand settled on her back, a slow, soothing stroke—almost a silent apology. What brought you here?