Ash's POV
I stood in front of Mr Blake's office door, took a deep breath… then knocked.
Why did this feel like a bad idea?
"Come in." His voice was calm.
My chest tightened.
I pushed the door open slowly and stepped inside.
The first thing I noticed was hus messy office. There were books stacked in piles, files were packed into a cardboard box sitting on his desk. It didn't look like someone just tidying up.
"Ash," he said, glancing up briefly. "How have you been?
I didn't answer immediately. I just stood there, watching him. Trying to figure out what version of him I was about to deal with today.
"Uh… I'm fine, sir," I said finally. "You… wanted to see me?"
"Yeah," he nodded, gesturing toward the chair in front of him. "Sit."
I hesitated. Then I walked over and sat down, resting my hands awkwardly on my thighs.
He didn't say anything right away. He just continued packing a few books into the box before finally turning fully to face me.
