Conversations and Confessions

Astra left work at five o'clock, a rare occurrence in recent months. Everyone at the company had left at five as well. This extraordinary change was due to the strict tracking of their movements through their new badges.

The sensation of having her own office space, free from Violet's constant chatter, felt wonderfully liberating to Astra.

Nonetheless, Violet still made frequent trips between floors when she needed Astra's assistance. Astra found herself rather pleased by this inconvenience for her.

She could easily discern the mounting frustration in Violet as she shuttled back and forth. With each visit, Violet inquired if Astra had reached a decision, and Astra consistently replied, "Not yet."

Later, Astra headed to her hotel to review the test results. After sending each employee their future within the company, she prepared for dinner, eagerly anticipating Violet's reaction.