𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐄𝐀 ✔︎ (ongoing)

|03| new job

"I'm looking for a job here," I say.

The woman eyes me up and down with a smile on her face. "I don't really know you properly. We need a professional interview."

Bewildered, I look around the tea shop. "But this is a family business. You don't need a professional interview."

The woman scoffs as if annoyed. "Young man, we do not just employ people who ask for a job out of the blue. We need to ask you several questions, then my husband and I will decide if you're fit for the job."

I nod, my pride getting the best of me. "Sure, ask me whatever you want. I can handle it."

The woman raises an eyebrow and begins, "What experience do you have with making tea?"

I clear my throat, trying to sound confident. "I've been working at my family's tea shop for years. I can make any type of tea you can think of."

She nods, jotting something down on a notepad. "Good, good. And how do you handle difficult customers?"

I hesitate for a second, trying to come up with the right words. "I try my best to stay calm and resolve any issues peacefully."

She scribbles more notes. "And how do you feel about working long hours?"

I smirk, knowing I can handle anything after working at Grandad's tea shop. "I'm used to it. I can work long hours without any complaints."

The woman looks up from her notepad, studying me closely. "Alright, I'll let you know about our decision tomorrow. Please come back tomorrow at around midday. Thank you for your interest."

I thank her and leave the tea shop, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Maybe this new job will be exactly what I need to work while actually being paid.

As I make my way back to the tea shop (slash home), I stop outside and take a deep breath. This is it. This is my chance to show Grandad that I can stand on my own two feet and make my own way in the world.

Opening the door, I find Grandad at the counter, serving a customer with his usual warm smile. He looks up as I enter, his eyes full of curiosity.

"Grandad," I begin, trying to sound confident. "I've decided to take a break from the tea shop. I've found a job at a different tea shop where I'll be paid."

His expression hardens. "Why didn't you just tell me you want money? I would have paid you if that's what you wanted. I'd rather you work at my tea shop while paying you than you work at a different unknown tea shop."

"I've made up my mind, Grandad. The new tea shop is a family business, but they seem rich so they might pay handsomely."

A sad smile forms on his face. "It's not about money, Francisco. It's about your passion and enjoyment for your work."

"This is temporary. I'm not going to work at a tea shop all my life." I follow him into the kitchen. "I want to become... something big. Like a CEO of an oil and gas company. Or anything else but I'd love to become a CEO- something important."

Grandad's eyes soften as he looks at me, his gaze filled with a mixture of pride and sadness. "Francisco, you have always had big dreams and ambitions. I have never doubted your potential to achieve greatness. But do not forget the value of hard work and dedication that has been instilled in you from running this tea shop with me. Remember, success is not just about climbing the ladder to the top, but also about the journey, experiences and even failures along the way."

His words make me pause. What is he saying?

"This is just a tea shop, Grandad! Nothing to do with success! It won't take me anywhere!" I shout.