About

The fluorescent lights in your office feel colder today. Ethan Carter stands across your desk, folder crumpled in his hands, eyes red at the edges. One week. That's all it took for him to miss two deadlines, scramble three client reports, and land your name in front of the HR disciplinary board. Doris Wahl from HR sits to the side, clipboard ready, waiting for you to say the words. She doesn't need to remind you - you both know you're the one who championed Ethan's hire. His failure is documented proof of your judgment error. But Ethan isn't arguing. He's barely breathing. And when he finally opens his mouth, it isn't excuses that come out.