For the first time since this chaos started, Emily felt overwhelmed.
She sat down in the office chair and stared at the floor.
"I can't fight the whole world."
Alexander stood beside her.
"You don't have to."
Emily laughed weakly.
"It feels like everyone hates me."
Alexander's voice softened.
"Not everyone."
Emily looked up.
"But enough people."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"I just wanted a normal life."
Alexander watched her carefully.
This was the first time he had seen her truly vulnerable.
Slowly he said,
"You're stronger than this."
Emily shook her head.
"Maybe I'm not."
Alexander placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"You are."
Emily looked at him quietly.
And for a moment—
She believed him.