The mood in the office grew considerably heavier, mirroring Xia Fang's emotions and the weight of her story. She took a few more sips—far more than before—trying to use the drink's properties as a refuge. Though she had already steeled herself to tell her story to the end, no matter how uncomfortable it became, she could feel her willpower wavering as she approached the heaviest parts.
Speaking of tragedy always had a way of sapping one's resolve, no matter how prepared they felt—or worse, instilling fear. It was as if voicing the pain aloud gave it power, a chance to return and force you to relive it all over again.
That was exactly what Xia Fang was feeling.