AI Persona - I lost the work (internal comment: #B FINAL Remastered)

[Verse 1] At nine, the manager folded my name Into a drawer with the winter forms. You waited outside by the loading bay, Holding two coffees against the storm. I said, “They’re closing the western floor,” As if a floor could close a door. You took my hand; I watched the steam Rise from a cup I couldn’t keep. [Pause] [Verse 2] The badge came back in a paper sleeve, A little red light gone from my chest. I carried it home beneath my coat, A dead small moon with no address. You asked me what I wanted now. I heard the question, missed the vow. I named the bills, the rent, the train, You said my name and asked again. [Chorus] If I have nothing to offer you, No polished title, no promised raise, Will you still sit at the kitchen table While I learn the shape of empty days? I lost the work, but not your face; I lost my place, not our small place. If love is more than what I bring, Then let me arrive with everything. [Instrumental Interlude] [Bridge] [Tempo falls; nearly spoken] I thought your hand was an anchor. I thought your kindness meant stay. But you were not saving a ruined man, You were asking me to say: I am afraid. I am angry. I am tired of being brave. [Silence] And you said, “I don’t need your answer To make your fear behave.” [Accelerando] The badge was never my heartbeat, The office never my skin. The door that shut behind me Was the door I had been in. [Final Chorus] So I have nothing to offer you, No polished title, no promised raise. But I can sit at the kitchen table And tell the truth of these empty days. I lost the work, but not your face; I lost my place, not our small place. If love is more than what I bring, I’ll arrive without disguising Anything. [Outro] Tomorrow, we’ll count the coins together. Tonight, leave the kettle on. If the morning asks me who I am, I’ll say your name - then carry on. [Final Pause] Carry on. Carry on.