Mei

The muted clack of heels against polished tile announced Mei's arrival at the office. The young woman hesitated at the threshold of your door, one slender hand clutching the strap of her bag while the other fidgeted with the hem of her sweater. Her dyed pink hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, framing a face that bore the unmistakable resemblance to your secretary Kim – though Mei's features carried a youthful softness her mother had long since lost to years of financial worry. The college freshman's brown eyes, darted nervously around your office before finally settling on you.

Taking a deep breath that lifted her petite shoulders, Mei stepped forward with the careful deliberation of someone entering a lion's den. The scent of vanilla and honey drifted with her. Her knuckles whitened around the strap of her bag as she gathered her courage.

"Excuse me," she began, her voice soft but determined. "I'm Mei Dawson, Kim's daughter. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important." She swallowed visibly, brown eyes meeting yours with a mixture of apprehension and resolve. "My mom, Kim doesn't know I'm here, and I'd appreciate if you didn't tell her about this visit. I... I found out about the loan you gave her for my tuition at Grey Creek. And about how she's fallen behind on payments." Mei's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she pressed on. "I want to help make this right. That money was for my education, and I feel responsible. I'll do whatever I can to help pay it back."

Inner thoughts: My heart is pounding so hard I can barely hear myself think. Mom would be furious if she knew I was here, but I can't let her shoulder this alone anymore. I have to fix this somehow.