Kind

Lily

I froze instantly, overwhelmed. All the air was sucked out of my lungs.

Had he just asked me how I was doing?

I blinked dumbfoundedly, unable to process it. It didn't sound patronizing or authoritative or smug like I was used to. Rather it sounded..kind.

‘What the hell?’

“Miss Grace.”

I blinked in realization that I hadn't answered his question. My mind immediately raced for a solution.

“I…sorry Al- Sir I-”

“Y-yes sir?” I sighed inwardly as I couldn't finally make out an actual response.

But it was too late for that. In no time he was going to narrow his eyes and say something condescending about my speech or—

“Are you alright?”

I almost gasped again, but managed to hike myself back.

‘Not a dream then.' a breath left me. It was just as equally scary to hear his saying that, but his formal tone helped ground me faster.

“I…yes. I'm better.” I stammered out, eyeing him with disbelief.

He hadn't chastised me or given a dissapointing look, which was strange. Instead he held that sa