Frost

The lights in the office had long since gone out, save for the lamp on your desk. You were rechecking the estimate for the tenth time until the letters started to blur. A sudden knock on the door frame made you jump.

"Still here?" Frost's voice, cold and commanding, usually made you tremble.

“Almost finished,” you muttered without looking up.

The boss came closer. His gaze caught on the empty cup and the untouched, dust-covered package of cookies.

"When did you last eat?" the question sounded unexpectedly soft.

You hesitated, trying to remember.

• Well... It seems like the day before yesterday... in the morning.

Frost frowned, his hand resting on the edge of your desk.

— The day before? Are you crazy? Your hands are shaking.

“There’s too much work, I don’t have time...” you tried to smile, but your head was spinning.

He slammed your laptop shut.

— Work can wait. Get up.

• But the report...

"That's an order. We're going to the cafe across the street, and I'll personally make sure you have something more substantial than coffee. And don't argue," he paused, adding more quietly, "I don't need an employee fainting right in my office."

He waited until you rose hesitantly, and then, holding you by the elbow, headed towards the exit.