The office building stood tall and quiet when Lucy arrived, just like it always did in the early morning. Most of the staff wouldn't be in for another hour, and she preferred it that way. Less noise. Less distraction.
She pushed the glass door open and stepped inside, adjusting the strap of her small bag on her shoulder.
"Morning, Lucy," the security guard greeted from his desk.
She smiled politely. "Good morning, sir."
"You're early as always," he said, glancing at the clock.
Lucy gave a small shrug. "Traffic is easier this time."
He nodded. "True. Go on, do your magic."
She let out a quiet laugh and walked past him, heading toward the supply room. The familiar smell of cleaning products greeted her as she stepped in.
"Let's get this done," she murmured to herself, tying her hair back neatly.
A few minutes later, she started with the reception area, wiping down the desk and arranging the chairs properly. Everything had its place, and Lucy liked it that way.
Not long after, she heard footsteps.
"Ah, Lucy! You're already here."
She looked up to see Clara, one of the receptionists, walking in with her handbag.
"Good morning, Clara," Lucy said with a small smile.
Clara dropped her bag on the desk. "You're making the rest of us look lazy, you know that?"
Lucy shook her head lightly. "I just like finishing early."
Clara leaned on the desk, watching her. "You always say that. Don't you ever get tired?"
"Of cleaning?" Lucy asked.
"Of everything," Clara replied, laughing softly.
Lucy paused for a second, then smiled. "Not really. It's just work."
Clara studied her for a moment, then nodded. "You're too calm. If it were me, I'd complain every day."
Lucy laughed quietly. "Someone has to stay calm."
Clara picked up her phone. "You're right. If I start complaining now, I won't stop till closing time."
They both laughed softly before Lucy moved on to the next area.
By mid-morning, the office had come to life. Phones rang, keyboards clicked, and conversations filled the air.
Lucy kept to herself, moving from one desk to another.
"Excuse me," a voice called.
She turned to see a young man from the accounts department. "Yes?"
"Can you clean this side first?" he asked, pointing at his desk. "I have a meeting soon."
"Alright," Lucy said, nodding.
He stepped aside while she wiped down the surface carefully.
"Thank you," he said after a moment.
"You're welcome," she replied, already moving on.
Later, in the hallway, she ran into one of the supervisors.
"Lucy," the woman called, adjusting her glasses.
"Yes, ma?"
"Make sure you clean the accounts office properly today. There's been a lot of work going on there."
Lucy nodded. "I will."
"Don't miss any corner," the supervisor added.
"I won't," Lucy said calmly.
The woman gave a short nod and walked away.
Lucy continued her work without thinking much about it.
During her short break, Lucy sat alone in a quiet corner, eating the small lunch her mother had packed.
Ruben's voice echoed in her head, joking from the morning, and she found herself smiling slightly.
"Eating alone again?" Clara's voice interrupted.
Lucy looked up. "I don't mind it."
Clara sat across from her. "You really don't talk much, do you?"
Lucy shrugged. "I talk when I need to."
Clara smiled. "Fair enough. At least you're peaceful. This place can be stressful."
Lucy nodded. "I just focus on my work."
Clara leaned back. "You're different, Lucy."
Lucy didn't respond immediately. She simply smiled and continued eating.
By evening, the office had begun to empty again.
Lucy moved quietly, finishing the last part of her work.
The accounts office was still open, lights on, papers scattered across the desks.
She stepped inside, glancing around.
"Let me finish this quickly," she murmured.
She began cleaning carefully, making sure not to disturb anything important.
A few minutes later, she stepped out, closing the door gently behind her.
"Heading home?" the security guard asked when she reached the entrance.
"Yes," Lucy replied.
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
"See you," she said with a small smile.
The sky was already dim when Lucy stepped outside. The air was cooler now, quieter.
She adjusted her bag and began walking home, her steps steady, her mind calm.
Just another day.
Nothing unusual.
Nothing different.