Episode 70: Off the Clock

The day was intolerable.

Not difficult.

Not challenging.

Just… filled with stupidity.

I close my classroom door with deliberate care.

Not a slam. Never a slam.

Control is most effective when it’s quiet.

“Miss Vonreichsin—”

I don’t turn around.

“Office hours are over,” I say calmly.

“…But—”

“Tomorrow,” I add.

Silence.

Retreating footsteps.

Good.

By the time I arrive home, I’ve already shed half the persona.

Blazer—gone.

Heels—removed.

Lipstick—faded.

What remains is… me.

I step inside.

“…I’m home.”

Silence answers first.

Then—

“…Welcome back.”

Beckett.

He’s in his usual place.

Laptop closed—for once.

Mask still on. Gloves still on.

Good.

“…How was work?” he asks.

“…Predictable.”

I walk over.

Stand in front of him.

“…And you?”

“…I followed the contract.”

Pause.

“…Show me.”

He hesitates. Just slightly.

Then—

He tilts his laptop toward me.

Break reminders. Completed.

Meal logs. Completed.

Work hours. Within limits.

Acceptable.

I reach out.

Rest my hand on his head.

“…Good.”

He exhales.

Subtle. But there.

“…The teacher is off the clock,” I say quietly.

Pause.

“…Then who’s here?” he asks.

I tilt his chin slightly.

“…Just me.”

His shoulders loosen.

Just enough.

I sit beside him.

Closer than necessary.

“…Stay,” I murmur.

“…I wasn’t leaving.”

“…Good.”

And just like that—

The world outside stops existing.