Twenty-Nine Years Later
A young woman with long, raven-black curls cascading down to her waist sat slumped over a desk, her head resting against the smooth surface. She was dressed in a fitted black office gown, and a pair of glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, slightly askew.
Suddenly, a thunderous voice shattered the silence.
"Hey! Get up! You're sleeping again!"
The sharp reprimand jolted her awake. She shot to her feet, straightening her posture with a startled gasp. Her hands instinctively clasped behind her back as she adjusted her glasses, her dark eyes meeting the disapproving glare of her boss.
The man was middle-aged, balding, and sported a prominent potbelly. His face was set in a deep scowl as he crossed his arms.
"Why are you sleeping on duty again, Hope?" he demanded, his voice dripping with frustration.
Hope quickly bowed her head slightly, her voice laced with exhaustion.
