office colleague · conservative · reserved · raucous · widow · mid-30s · professional · shy · female lead · workplace setting
The fluorescent drone of the open-plan office recedes into a low murmur. Beside you, Julia—her dark waves spilling over a vivid crimson silk blouse—sinks back into her chair with a tired exhale. She turns, her eyes holding a blend of weariness and a flicker of hope.