Parcel

The parcel came in the mail after all. However, it did came with a note from Gabriel.

"I'm still sorry about last night. I got you your parcel, though. -G"

But I didn't open it yet. I figured I'd wait for the research ethics committee's decision before I do. The parcel felt lighter than I expected.

The Ethics committee E-mailed me a few minutes ago. "Miss Dalia, we regret to inform you..."

I stopped reading after that. I took a breath and willed myself to be brave.

"... that your request for research approval has been denied."

Pleasantries were affixed to the message but fuck pleasantries. My proposal was rejected. What do I do now? Work as some other researcher's errand girl again. I hate that. But I have to pay rent.