OPAL

A sudden noise interrupts my train of thought.

I look around but the room is so silent that I assume I imagined the noise. I wouldn't be surprised if I did—for the past few minutes since I left Bruce's office, I've been thinking nonstop about our interaction. I'm beyond humiliated, and the optimism I felt earlier just...vanished.

I start to settle down but then I hear the knock again, and my heart practically jumps out of my chest. "Opal, I know you're still awake. I'd like to have a ...