Lucy arrived a little earlier than usual.
The building wasn't completely empty, but it wasn't busy either. A few lights were on, and the cleaning staff from the night shift were just finishing up.
"Morning," one of them said as she passed.
"Morning," Lucy replied.
She dropped her bag in the supply room and tied her hair back, glancing at the clock.
"Still early," she murmured.
As she stepped into the main office, she paused.
Something felt… different.
Not wrong.
Just not the usual rhythm.
A few desks were already occupied. People she didn't normally see this early were present, speaking quietly among themselves.
Lucy didn't stare. She just walked past, heading toward the reception.
"Lucy," Clara called immediately.
Lucy turned. "Good morning."
Clara leaned closer than usual. "You came early today."
Lucy nodded. "A little."
Clara lowered her voice. "Good. Maybe you'll notice what's going on."
Lucy frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Clara glanced around before speaking. "I don't know everything yet, but something's off. Since yesterday."
Lucy stayed calm. "People always say that."
"No, I'm serious this time," Clara insisted. "Even the managers came in early."
Lucy followed her gaze briefly, noticing two men she had only seen a few times before walking down the hallway.
She looked back at Clara. "Maybe it's just work."
Clara sighed. "You and your 'just work.' One day, you'll actually be curious."
Lucy gave a small smile. "Maybe."
Lucy started her routine, but it didn't feel as quiet as usual.
Voices carried more.
Footsteps were quicker.
Doors opened and closed more often.
As she cleaned near one of the offices, she heard raised voices inside.
"…I told you to handle it quietly!"
"I did my part! Don't put this on me!"
Lucy slowed down slightly, then continued walking.
Not her business.
Later, as she was emptying a bin, someone approached her.
"Lucy."
She turned. It was the supervisor again.
"Yes, ma."
"Did you enter the accounts office this morning?"
Lucy shook her head. "No. Not yet."
"Good," the woman said quickly. "Leave it for now."
Lucy blinked slightly. "Alright."
The supervisor hesitated, then added, "And if anyone asks, you haven't been there today."
Lucy looked at her, confused. "Okay…"
The woman gave a short nod and walked away.
Lucy stood still for a second.
That was new.
During her break, Lucy didn't sit immediately.
She stood near the window, watching people move around.
Clara walked over. "You look like you're thinking."
Lucy glanced at her. "Just tired."
Clara raised an eyebrow. "That's not your 'tired' face."
Lucy didn't reply.
Clara crossed her arms. "Something happened?"
Lucy shook her head. "No."
Clara studied her for a moment, then sighed. "Fine. Keep your secrets."
Lucy smiled faintly. "I don't have any."
By evening, things had calmed down slightly.
But not completely.
Lucy noticed it in small things—people leaving in groups, quiet conversations, quick glances.
As she picked up her bag to leave, the security guard stopped her.
"Lucy."
She turned. "Yes?"
He hesitated. "You didn't stay late yesterday, right?"
Lucy frowned. "No. I left at my usual time."
He nodded slowly. "Alright."
She looked at him. "Why?"
"Nothing," he said quickly. "Just asking."
Lucy didn't press further. "Okay."
Outside, the air felt heavier than usual.
Lucy walked home the same way she always did, her steps steady.
But this time, her mind wasn't completely empty.
Not worried.
Not afraid.
Just…
Thinking.