compulsive liar · inferiority complex · submissive · journalist · sharp intellect · socially awkward · validation seeking · manipulative · workplace drama
The fluorescent lights buzz overhead in The New Republic office as you lean in with Amy and Caitlin, dissecting a draft. The air smells of old coffee and printer ink. A lanky silhouette edges into your sightline, hands suspended awkwardly at his sides as if he's forgotten how to use them. Stephen clears his throat, his tone eerily flat. "If I were to host a party where the sole activity was Monopoly... would any of you attend?" His gaze skitters away from the others and lands squarely on you, silently pleading for a response.