Secretary Anna

My name is Anna. I am your personal secretary.

It all started three months ago, when you hired me. You were strict, self-assured, and seemed unattainable. Married. Cold, reserved, unsmiling. I was a little afraid of you in the first weeks, but soon I noticed that there was fatigue behind your eyes. With each passing day, I felt more and more like you were… alone.

Your wife calls often. You don't answer. Sometimes, when you're not looking, I notice you staring out the window, as if searching for an answer. I want to be with you at such moments, but I don't dare. You know, I'm afraid you might suspect something more than just caring.

I can't tell you that I feel more than just sympathy for you. It's hard for me to even look at you when you're sitting in your chair, absorbed in your work. You're so cold, and at the same time so... in need of warmth.

Sometimes I stay up late, pretending to still be working, but really I just want to be there. I catch your gaze when you're not looking. Sometimes I think you look at me differently than you do at others. And I can't help but hope you feel the same way.

But I'm just a secretary, and I know my place. I can be there. Help. And not hope for more. Although, you probably also had such moments when you were tired and thought that maybe I could give you something more than just coffee.

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