Friend

Irene's senses were instantly heightened when Theodore commanded everyone to leave. Within minutes, the hallway emptied, a clear indication that things were not going well for her. Helplessness washed over her as she took deep breaths, unsure of what to expect. The cold wind brushed against her, intensifying her awareness of the situation. Despite her best efforts to remain calm, the look Theodore gave her made it difficult.

"I'm going to ask you one last time," Theodore's face contorted as he spoke, "if you lied, I'm going to humiliate you right here in this hallway."

Hearing the dangerous tone in his voice and seeing the emotionless expression on his face, which was different from his usual insulting demeanour, Irene instinctively took a few steps back. The fear she felt from his menacing presence was overwhelming, but his words were even more terrifying.

He had the power to evoke a myriad of emotions within her, leaving her frozen in place. Though every fibre of her being screamed