The following morning, Ciara walked into the office with a palpable weariness in her step. Her usually bright eyes were shadowed with exhaustion, and a faint pallor tinted her complexion. Nathaniel, who had arrived at the office with her, noticed her discomfort immediately.
"Ciara, okay ka lang ba?" tanong ni Ciara. Halata sa mukha nito ang pag-aalala. "Mukha kasing hindi ka okay ngayon. Kaya mo ba talaga?"
Ciara managed a weak smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Ano ka ba, Nathaniel? Okay lang ako. Medyo pagod lang ako, pero keri pa naman."
Nathaniel wasn't convinced, but he decided not to press further. Sabay silang pumasok sa loob ng building. Nang makapunta sila sa reception area ay binati naman siya agad ni Vivian.
"Good morning, Vivian," bati ni Ciara, pero hindi ito katula
