Professor doesn't preach

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Emma had just finished her exams and was hopeful about securing a job. She had been preparing for weeks and finally had her last interview with a reputable company. Dressed in her best professional attire, she walked into the interview room, feeling confident that her skills would shine. But as the interview progressed, she realized that the company was looking for someone more outgoing, a talkative extrovert who could easily command attention. Despite her talent and knowledge, Emma’s introverted nature seemed to be working against her.

When the interview ended, the polite rejection stung. They needed someone who could network, someone who could make an impression with their words, not just their work. Disappointed, Emma left the office with a heavy heart. It was hard not to feel defeated after coming so close. She tried to remind herself that this wasn’t the end—there were other opportunities, other interviews—but the sting of rejection stayed with her.

As she walked through the busy streets, Emma thought about calling her parents. They had always been her biggest supporters, encouraging her to chase her dreams no matter how difficult things became. She couldn’t wait to tell them about the interview, even if it hadn’t gone well. She knew they would reassure her, tell her to keep going, and offer her the love and support she so desperately needed at that moment.

But when she tried to call, no one answered. She tried again, assuming they might be busy, but after several attempts, there was still no response. An uneasy feeling settled in her stomach, but she pushed it aside, convincing herself that they were probably out running errands. She told herself she would call again later.

An hour later, her phone rang. It was an unknown number, and she answered it without thinking.

"Hello, is this Emma?" the voice on the other end asked.

"Yes, this is she."

"I'm calling from the hospital. I’m sorry to inform you, but your parents were in a car accident. They… they didn’t make it."

The world stopped.

Emma’s mind went blank as the words hit her like a tidal wave. Her breath caught in her throat, and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. This couldn’t be happening. Not her parents. Not the two people who were her entire world.

She dropped the phone and stumbled backward, her legs giving out beneath her. Everything was spinning—her thoughts, her emotions—nothing made sense. How could they be gone? How could her parents, who had been her anchor, just disappear like that?

Tears poured down her face as she grabbed her things and ran out of her apartment, not knowing where to go or what to do. Her mind was consumed with grief, shock, and disbelif.  She needed to get home, but her body felt heavy, as if she were moving underwater.

When she stepped outside, James, always in the background but never too far, noticed something was terribly wrong. He approached her cautiously, offering his help. Emma, barely aware of her surroundings, nodded numbly. She couldn’t think; she could only feel the gaping emptiness inside.

James quietly drove her to her hometown. The journey felt surreal, the world passing by in a blur, her thoughts consumed by memories of her parents—their laughter, their sacrifices, their endless love. Each memory felt like a stab to her heart. By the time they arrived, the neighbors had already arranged the funeral.

Standing at the edge of the crowd, Emma’s legs buckled as the reality set in. Her parents were gone, and she was left alone in the world. She sank to her knees, the weight of her grief too much to bear.

*"Mom… Dad… I don’t know how to do this without you. You were the reason I worked so hard, the reason I kept going. How do I move on? How do I live without you both? I wasn’t ready for this. I needed more time… more time to make you proud, more time to tell you I love you. What do I do now?"*

Tears poured down her face as she looked at the caskets before her. Every breath felt like a struggle, her chest tight with the overwhelming pain. The only family she had, the ones who had given her life and hope, were gone forever.

James stood nearby, quietly making sure everything was taken care of. He didn’t know Emma’s parents, but he could feel her devastation, the depth of her loss. Once the funeral was over, he guided her back to the car gently, as if she might break at any moment.

The ride back was silent, but filled with an unbearable heaviness. Emma couldn’t find the words to thank James, but she felt his quiet support.

When they reached her place, Emma finally found the strength to speak. "Thank you, James. For everything. You don’t need to stay, I’ll be fine." Her voice was hoarse from crying.

James shook his head softly. “Emma, I don’t think you should be alone right now. Let me help you. I know we don’t know each other well, but I’m here. We don’t have to be anything other than friends. If you need me, I’ll be around.”

Emma, feeling broken beyond repair, nodded weakly. She had no one left, and though James was practically a stranger, his presence was oddly comforting. He handed her some medicine and food. “Eat something, take care of yourself,” he said gently. “I may be your friend now, and as your only friend, you need to take care of yourself. You’re not alone, Emma. Don’t ever think that.”

His words, though simple, touched something inside her. For a moment, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the crushing sorrow. She wasn’t truly alone—James was here, and though the pain was still unbearable, she wasn’t facing it completely on her own.

She gave him a small, tired smile through her tears. "Thank you... for everything.

James, feeling a bond with her now, smiled gently. "Don’t mention it. Just… don’t feel like you’re alone. If you ever need anything, I’m here."