Working @ Wattpad

Prologue

On a humid autumn day, I'm sitting with my headset on at the Government Birth Registration Centre. A steady stream of calls usually comes in at around this time of day, but I can't help gnawing at my fingernail and staring at the date on our office calendar screen:

Wednezday, Zeptember 40, 3025

It has been exactly one month since I submitted my internship application to the Wattpad HQ, a place considered a dream haven for writers. In the harsh money-driven world of Techtropolis, writers are sneered and mocked. But one mention that you're a "Wattpad Writer", and everyone speaks reverently towards you. Because everyone knows that Wattpad writers make a difference. From thought-provoking articles on their monthly newsletters, inspirational stories from budding writers, or technical speech writers crafting a moving piece for a million-dollar philanthropic organization, Wattpad writers make a difference.

Which is exactly what I so desperately want to do.

A sudden buzz rings obnoxiously loud through my headset.

"What the zuck?" I let out a sigh before clicking answer.

"Welcome to the Birth Registration Centre," I say. It rolls off my lips automatically for the thousandth time today.

"You're speaking to Zarah. How may I help you today?"

"I'd like to register my newborn child's name."

"Of course," I open a new application form. "Gender?"

"Boy."

"Okay." I quickly type. "Name?"

"Zeraphaniel."

I stop typing and do a double-take. "Come again?"

~~~

The next one is equally frustrating, if not even more.

"Why do all names have the letter 'z' in them?"

You could've just Zoogled that. I want to mutter. "In the year 3000, after the rebirth of the world to become what we know as Techtropolis, a daughter heir was born to the king by the name of Zera. As a decree, all children born after the year 3000 must have at least one 'z' in their name." I say in one breath.

"Ohhhh. So is Winslow okay?"

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "There is no 'z' in Winslow."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. But we can change the 's' to a 'z'. Winzlow."

"Yeah, do that."

"Perfect."

"Ohh, but I feel Winslow sounds so much better though!"

~~~

After half an hour consoling the lady that Winzlow really was a suitable alternative for Winslow, I end the call and blow out a defeated sigh.

Another buzz follows immediately after and my heart instinctively drops in dread of the next call. But it's a different chime. It's the sound for my Zmail. Curious, I take a look.

Dear Zarah,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Wattpad intern. After careful consideration, we are pleased to inform you that you will officially become a member of the Wattpad community!

Your first day will be on Thurzday, October 1, 3025 at 8:00 AM. We look forward to seeing you and all the things you will accomplish at Wattpad.

Sincerely,

Liz

Head of Creative Department

Tears prick the rim of my eyes and breath catches as I finish reading. It takes everything within me to refrain from shouting to the entire office that I'm officially a member of Wattpad.

A beam paints across my face as I dig out an email I've written but always never been able to send. It brings me such liberation and relief to be able to do so now. I glance at the subject title with satisfaction:

Resignation from the Birth Registration Centre as Telecommunications Assistant.

Without hesitation, I hit send.

I smile at the thought of the future ahead of me. I, Zarah, will be working at Wattpad.