And Then, The World Ended

Chapter 3 Noah

The shrill ring of my phone cuts through the stillness, yanking me from a deep sleep. I squint at the screen, rubbing my eyes as I fumble to answer.

"Hello?" My voice croaks, heavy with sleep.

"Is this Noah Kai?" The voice on the other end sounds chipper, bright as a summer morning.

"Yeah, this is me." I sit up, suddenly alert.

"I'm calling from Greene Designs. Congratulations! We'd like to offer you the position."

Feeling a sensation of anticipation. "Really?"

"Yes! You start tomorrow at nine. We're excited to have you on board."

I struggle to process the news, feeling a surge of joy rush through me like a tidal wave. "Thank you so much! I can't wait."

After we hang up, I leap out of bed and pace around my apartment. The walls feel like they're closing in, but the excitement propels me forward. This is it—my chance.

I snatch my phone and shoot a message to Sophie before I can doubt my decision: Are you at your yoga class? I landed the position at Greene Designs!

I hardly wait for her reply; my fingers tap anxiously against my thigh as I dart between thoughts about what to wear and how to make a great first impression.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzes with her response: No way! That's amazing! Let's celebrate!

Sophie always knows how to lift my spirits. I shoot back another message: Meet me at our favorite coffee shop?

In no time, I'm out the door and navigating the streets of New York District, the crisp morning air fueling my excitement.

When I arrive at the coffee shop, Sophie sits at our usual table by the window. Her eyes light up when she spots me rushing in.

"Noah!" She jumps up and pulls me into a hug that squeezes all the breath from my lungs.

"I got it!" My words tumble out in a rush.

She pulls back, eyes wide with disbelief. "You're kidding!"

"Nope." I grin like an idiot, unable to contain myself.

Her laughter rings out like music as she claps her hands together. "This calls for some serious celebration! What do you want? Pastries? Fancy drinks?"

"Both?" I chuckle as we take our seats.

While we enjoy our beverages and savor the buttery croissants, I recount every aspect—the interview experience, how encouraging Liam was—and each detail amplifies Sophie's joy even further.

"This is just the beginning for you," she says with a gleam in her eye that ignites something hopeful inside me.

I stare out at the New York District skyline, a kaleidoscope of lights blinking against the evening sky. A shiver runs through me, a mix of anticipation and something unfamiliar. My eyes drift to the message on my hover-screen, blinking eagerly: Ready for your first day?

Sophie's is excited for me, and I feel my nerves settle as I reply: I think so. Let's do this thing!

The walk to the Greene Designs office feels like a blur. I navigate the bustling streets. As I approach the towering building, its sleek glass exterior gleaming in the morning light, I take a deep breath.

Inside, the lobby buzzes with activity. Employees rush by, hover-pads in hand, their eyes focused on the day ahead. I make my way to the reception, my palms starting to sweat.