I stood in front of Mr. Blake's office door, as my hand hovered in the air, just inches from the wood.
Why did this feel like a bad idea?
I took a deep breath… then knocked.
"Come in."
His voice was calm.
My chest tightened.
I pushed the door open slowly and stepped inside.
The first thing I noticed was the 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 read 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, my hands resting awkwardly on my thighs.
He didn't say anything right away.
