The book “It’s Okay to laugh. (Crying Is Cool Too)” by Nora McInerny sits in front of me on a raised black platform. My volleyball i named “Baseema” sits on top of it. On the right, my sister’s artwork from her first exhibition holds Baseema gently in place. Thunder rumbles as the clock inches towards 5:45pm. I should have already left the office.

But I am still here; feeling soft.