The email arrives Friday morning while I'm still in bed.
The notification sound cuts through the quiet of the dorm room. Riley's already left for her early lab, and the space feels too empty, too still. I grab my phone, squinting against the brightness of the screen. The sheets smell like the lavender fabric softener Riley insists on using, a scent that's supposed to be calming but only reminds me how restless I've been lately.
FROM: [email protected] SUBJECT: Research Project - First Session
Miss Lane,
Attached is the IRB approval and project overview. Our first one-on-one session is scheduled for Monday, 3 PM, my office. Come prepared to discuss your content strategy from the past six months.
Bring examples of posts that performed well and posts that didn't. We'll analyze the gap between intention and reception.
Best, EP
I read it three times.
Miss Lane. So formal. So careful.
Monday. His office. Alone.
This is happening.
