[116 Days Left to Live]
The office was filled with its usual chatter. Typing on computer keys, phone calls being made, journalists swapping stories across desks. But amid all the movement and noise, Zephany remained motionless in her seat beside Pia, staring into space.
Her knuckles were resting against her cheeks, her eyebrows knotted in deep thought. She seemed distant, as if her mind was a thousand miles away from this bustling room. Pia glanced at her from the corner of her eye and pressed her lips together in curiosity.
"Good morning, Zeph!" Pia called softly, tilting her head in an attempt to meet her friend's unfocused gaze.
For a moment, there was no reaction. Zephany remained staring at her computer screen, although it was black and inactive. It was only after a few seconds that she blinked and turned her head toward Pia.
"Good morning, Pia." Her voice was quieter than usual, nearly a whisper, a weak thread tying her back to the present moment.
