Caught between the Past and the Present

Year 2-5 00K (VI)

Returning to Bangkok, Lingling felt a renewed sense of resolve, though it was fragile—like a thin thread she was afraid might snap at any moment. The city buzzed around her as she made her way to the office, the familiar hum of traffic and distant chatter grounding her, even if just slightly. She took a deep breath, hoping to carry a piece of the tranquility she had found in Kalasin with her.

As she stepped through the office doors, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. Colleagues she'd worked with for years exchanged quick glances her way, their smiles tinged with curiosity and concern. Lingling forced herself to return those smiles, her usual confidence faltering just slightly. She needed them to believe she was okay, even if she was still far from it.

Reaching Mike's office, she paused for a moment, steadying herself before knocking lightly on the door. The familiar scent of coffee and the sound of papers shuffling greeted her as she stepped inside.

"Hey, you're back!" Mike exclaimed, looking up from his desk with a genuine smile. There was relief in his eyes, but also a hint of something else—something like worry.

Lingling closed the door behind her and let herself sink into the plush couch across from his desk. "Yeah," she said with a sigh, running a hand through her hair. "Just got in yesterday. Thought I'd check in and see how things are going."

"Everything's good," Mike replied, his tone casual, though his eyes flickered with unspoken concern. "Things are running smoothly on our end." But there was an unmissable undercurrent to his words, a question hanging in the air that he didn't voice.

Lingling shifted, her gaze dropping to her hands, which were clenched in her lap. "Mike, I need to apologize," she started, her voice soft but steady. "I know I've been... off. I haven't been giving my best. And I'm sorry for dropping the ball, especially when you needed me the most."

Mike's expression softened as he leaned back in his chair. "Ling, listen, it's okay. Honestly, I'm just glad you're acknowledging it. We've all been worried about you."

She looked up, her eyes glistening with unspoken gratitude. "I know I've been distracted, letting my personal life bleed into work. I thought I could keep everything separate, but... it's been harder than I expected." Her voice cracked slightly, but she quickly cleared her throat, trying to compose herself.

Mike gave her a sympathetic smile, leaning forward on his desk. "Ling, you've been carrying a lot on your shoulders. No one's blaming you. But I'm glad you took some time for yourself. Did Kalasin help?"