Vanessa
My stomach churned as I followed Irene to Tony's office. We reached the door, and Irene gave a curt rap. A gruff "Come in," boomed from inside.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pushed the door open and stepped into the lion's den. Irene lingered behind me, a silent sentinel, before shutting the door with a soft click.
"Good morning, sir," I greeted Tony, my voice barely above a whisper. He eyed me with a coldness that sent shivers down my spine, then flicked his gaze to Irene before replying.
"Good morning to you too. Now," he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers, "I'd like to understand what emboldened you to skip work yesterday."
My jaw clenched. "Sir, with all due respect, yesterday was my day off. I'd been working two double shifts in a row."