"Simulation failed."

The words flashed across the screen in glaring red. A buzzer sounded, and the training room dimmed.

Stephanie let out a frustrated breath, her hands clenching into fists. That was—what? The fourth? Fifth time? She lost count after the first three. She had been at this for hours, pushing herself past exhaustion, past reason.

And yet… she still couldn’t get it right.

You leaned against the console, arms crossed. “Steph, maybe take a break?”

"No." Her answer was immediate. "I need to get this right."

Her breathing was heavy, her stance tense. You could see the exhaustion in her eyes, even if she refused to acknowledge it.

"Five minutes, then."

She hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. Five minutes." She grabbed a towel, running it over her forehead before slumping onto a nearby bench.

An opening.

There was something else going on. She wasn't just training. You both knew there was more to it than that.