Felt was dumbfounded.
The woman in front of her was heaving like she'd just run a marathon through hell itself.
Her shoulders trembled with each labored breath, and her face had gone so pale it looked like all the blood had drained straight out of her body.
The words left Felt's mouth before she could stop them.
"... Ms. Celis?"
The woman flinched.
Just a tiny movement, but visible enough to confirm she'd heard.
Slowly, with visible effort that suggested it cost her more than it should, Celis straightened her posture.
The carefully maintained composure slid back into place like a mask being adjusted, though the cracks showed around the edges.
"What's wrong, dear Felt?"
Her voice came out strained, forced into that gentle tone she always used despite the obvious pain underneath.
Felt's eyebrows furrowed.
Something was very wrong here.
"Are you... okay?"
The question sounded stupid even as she said it.
Obviously Celis wasn't okay.
