At work, Candice’s startled gaze snapped up as I strode toward her desk, humming an upbeat tune. 

“Good morning,” I said, my voice carrying a cheerful note that was uncharacteristic of me.

She nearly leaped out of her chair, looking at me as if she thought I’d finally caved under all the stress, and gone prematurely senile. 

“Oh—good morning, Mr. Hayes!” she said, stumbling over her words a little. “I’ll bring you some coffee in a bit, ...