When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Everything felt like an insurmountable weight pressing on her chest.

Her exhaustion caught up with her, and before she realized it, she had drifted off to sleep.

A knock at the door startled her awake sometime around noon.

She sat up abruptly, her stiff body protesting the sudden movement.

Her mind felt foggy as she tried to reorient herself.

Stella, are you in there? came Doreens gentle voice from outside.

Quickly smoothing her hair and straightening her clothes, Stella called out, Come in.

She felt the heavy weight of fatigue lingering as though her energy had been drained completely.

Lately, it seemed she could fall asleep anywhere, at any time.

Doreen entered and immediately noticed Stellas pale face and tired eyes.

Stella, you look absolutely worn out, she said, her tone filled with concern.

Maybe you should go home and rest for a bit? Stella shook her head firmly.

I cant.

Theres too much going on right now. I dont have the time.

a

Theres a young man outside asking

Stellas brows furrowed.

first thought was Sanford, but she quickly dismissed the ideaDoreen knew Sanford, so she wouldnt have been so

could ask more, Doreen added, He

Lowell sent him.

asked Bennett

she said, Let him

nod and stepped out of the

returned, escorting a

was inside, Doreen excused herself with a

Stella with

Good afternoon.

name is Dexter

a graduate from Stella held

need for a full

him a folder that Doreen had

incident at the launch event and

to review

on the warehouse fire and see

accepted the folder with a

Understood.

the bottom of it as quickly as

gave a respectful

proved to