The room was cloaked in a soft, amber glow from a standing lamp, casting warm shadows on the walls. Denise sat at her desk; the cool metal of a soda can pressed against her lips. She set the can down, her movements deliberate as she retrieved her laptop bag, placed the device on the desk, and opened it. The screen flickered to life, reflecting her face in the dim light.
Denise's eyes were tired but determined, a silent testament to the battles she had been fighting. She stared at the screen, waiting. The hum of the computer filled the silence, blending with the faint background music. Her face filled the screen, as if she were live on a social media platform. Likes and emojis began to pop up around her image, a digital applause for her courage.