When I Stopped Covering for Them

It was eleven at night, and I'd just gotten off at the billing window when Viola Lawrence tagged me in the department group chat.

「Katherine, cover my night shift tomorrow?」

I stared at my phone.

My mom had a follow-up appointment tomorrow morning. I'd spent two weeks getting that slot.

「Sorry, Viola, I can't. I have something tomorrow.」

Her voice message came back fast.

「What could you possibly have going on?」

「You're not married, no kids—what, you go home and sit there by yourself anyway.」

I stared at the screen and said nothing.

She sent another：