In life, there would be instances that you will be put in an awkward situation that you'll need to learn how to say what you really want to say. Although you feel for the person, it would always be fact of life that every one of us puts their own pack first before everything else.

I was put in this same scenario just minutes ago. Stressful hormones surged within me as I thought of the most sensible reply to make. I care for that person as a friend and colleague, but I have to prioritize things. I need to protect my pack, because they're mostly trusting me to be strong.

And so for the first time, I said no.