Part 5/10:
This bittersweet awakening illuminated the harsh reality of government service. The familiar phrase "mission first, family always" echoed hollowly, ultimately serving as a euphemism for a significantly deferred personal life. The agent realized that they were not alone in feeling misled by an organization that could effortlessly sideline individuals once they were deemed no longer useful.
The parallel narrative of feeling utilized becomes more poignant as the agent reflects on the misguided commitment they had to the agency. Their willingness to sacrifice everything for an institution that treated them as disposable echoed back memories of fervent dedication, overshadowed by the cold reality of bureaucratic disillusionment.