A lump formed in her throat, frustration mingling with the urge to snap. But instead of letting herself break, Stephanie took a steadying breath. She muttered a brief apology, excused herself, and walked quickly to the restroom, her steps measured, her mind swirling with pent-up anger.
In the restroom, Stephanie caught sight of herself in the mirror, her uniform drenched, her face flushed. For a moment, she allowed herself to feel the full weight of Karen’s belittling words, the frustration, the sting of humiliation. But beneath it, something stronger and sharper took shape.