The following morning, I showed up at the office dressed as I always was.

In my hands, however, I carried a small backpack and a thick folder containing hospital reports, treatment plans, and care schedules.

I walked through the doors calmly, ignoring the exhaustion that clung to me like a shadow.

When my coworkers noticed me, the office grew uncomfortably quiet.

It wasn’t shock that I had returned so soon—it was what I brought with me.

set the folder on my desk, powered on my computer, and began methodically working through my tasks.

When my boss approached, clearly prepared to question my presence, I met his gaze and spoke evenly. “I’ve separated the two,” I said. “My work is here.

My personal life is at the hospital.

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