Summer's Last Firefly

ng, Clint drov

ver and kissed my forehead. I tilted my head up with a smile, grateful th

al, "Make sure to eat

bag and handed it to me. "Now hurry up,

le in, our department head walked in, beaming. "Serena, don't

What's the occasion? Why's the penn

ng everyone about it all morning. Word is the comp

roject could our small, scrappy company have la

und, I found out. Sitting in the conference room wa

arrogance. Normally unkempt managers and supervisors were

e whispered. "What's

my pen, acutely aware o

on vetting manuscripts for adaptation into visual media. The

oration," the deputy director gushed. "Let me introduce our depart

bent over backward to please Vincen

nation." He turned his chair slightly, pointing

anded that I be the project coordinator, res

lacks the necessary experience..." t

dge in his voice. "Are you saying yo

gn someone mor

ng strides oozing dismissal. The senior staff scrambled to

lsa grabbed my arm. "Serena, what

y, standing up and gatheri

oworkers, I tossed out a casual remar

zled. Even the CEO, who rarely showed up, stopped by

es

This is a major opportunity in a highly competitive industry. We're entrus

transparent as the

blip on anyone's radar. Now, the entire leadership team was congre

ious. If you succeed with Mr. Yates, you'll be rewarde

ed, drawing m

e to take my medication, "Don't forg

froze. Vincent had returned and stood at a distance,

." My voice was c

was sure he heard me,

aught off guard. "

gle myself with Vincent again – it wouldn't be

ided to clock out early without bo

ing, Vincent strode in with his long

pockets. With an edge of irritation in his voice, he a

ead, I replied flat

tion, his usual pride clashing with a rare hint of guilt. Turning me to face him, his

my gaze,

bring you back." Vincent's tone softened, as if trying to reason with me. "Serena,

eply, tired

ises. "You want recognition? I'll make it public – you'll be my girlfriend. You

ly reiterating what I had said yesterd

mposure cracking as he pinned me a

pped, scattering its con

t's been a year since you left me, Serena. A year. Even i

his grip unyielding. The absurdity of

ime again. Stop playing games, Seren

ing me, leaving me unable to fight back. I grew increasingly frant

e my head. "What can he give you?" Serena, my patience has its limits. This is y