The narrator is returning to the office after a two-week absence due to their father’s death and dreads the first day back.
The narrator experiences anxiety and prays for the strength to get through the day, but receives no immediate sign of divine reassurance.
Although the narrator’s mother sends a supportive message, the narrator is skeptical of relying on her for comfort.
The narrator encounters a colleague, Tina, and exchanges a brief greeting before separating.
Early at the office, the narrator is greeted by Kathy and receives a sympathetic head tilt, prompting a response of feeling "fine."
Kris, presumably a manager, welcomes the narrator back and offers the option to go home if it becomes overwhelming.
The narrator desires to avoid attention but feels overwhelmed by colleagues' concern, causing physical stress symptoms.
After a challenging day, the narrator skips lunch and prefers to focus on work rather than engaging with others.
The narrator’s to-do list is long and contains a variety of tasks, from checking publishing materials to handling financials and organizing administrative work.
Having planned the next day's work, the narrator finds themselves alone in the office at day's end.
Contemplating whether to eat dinner, the narrator finally turns off the lights and leaves the empty office to go home.