Ink and Heartstrings

Unseen Weave

The week of Maria’s interview at Alan’s company was a rollercoaster of emotions. Her excitement was barely contained, though she still kept it a secret from Alan. She had no idea whether he was involved in the interview process, but the idea that they might cross paths in such a formal setting made her nervous and excited in equal measure. To top it off, her current job had grown even more demanding. Balancing preparation for the interview while keeping up with her deadlines felt like juggling flaming swords. But Maria thrived on pressure, and this felt like an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Finally, the big day arrived. Maria woke up extra early, pacing her small apartment as she rehearsed her talking points. She had been invited to interview virtually, which was both a blessing and a curse—at least she wouldn’t have to worry about awkward face-to-face encounters with Alan if he happened to be part of the process. But still, her nerves were on edge.

Meanwhile, across the city, Alan was knee-deep in meetings and deadlines. His project had reached a critical phase, and his team was depending on him to keep things running smoothly. As much as he wanted to spend his free time catching up with Maria, he barely had a minute to himself. When his boss called him into a last-minute strategy session, he didn’t think much of it—just another meeting to get through. What he didn’t know was that this would lead to a missed opportunity to interview the very person he loved most.

The Interview

Maria sat down at her computer, her heart thudding in her chest. She smoothed down her shirt and took a deep breath as the Zoom screen flickered to life. On the other end, a panel of interviewers greeted her with warm smiles and professional nods. To her relief, Alan was not among them. She wasn’t sure whether to be disappointed or grateful, but either way, she was glad the nerves could finally settle.

The lead interviewer, a woman named Caroline, opened the conversation with a warm greeting.

Caroline: "Good morning, Maria! We’re really excited to talk with you today. Your resume was impressive, and I have to say, your writing samples were extraordinary. You’ve got a very distinct voice."

Maria felt her cheeks flush slightly at the compliment.

Maria: "Thank you so much! Writing has always been my passion, so I’m really honored to be here."

The interview kicked off smoothly, with Maria discussing her current job, her favorite projects, and what had drawn her to this particular company. She felt confident but also careful, balancing her words to impress while staying authentic.

Then Caroline asked the question that would allow Maria to really shine.

Caroline: "One of the things we love most here is a good story. We noticed you’re not just a writer, but a storyteller at heart. Could you share a personal story that reflects your love of reading and writing? Something that really shows us why this is so important to you?"

Maria’s eyes lit up. This was her moment to connect beyond the professional qualifications, to let them see her true passion.

Maria: "Of course! So, I’ve always been a bookworm, ever since I was a little girl. My mom used to take me to the library every weekend—it was our special time together. She’d always tell me to pick just one book, but of course, I’d come back with a stack of five or six because I couldn’t choose." (laughing softly) "My dad would shake his head, but he secretly loved it too. They encouraged my love for reading from the start, and it became this incredible way for me to explore different worlds without ever leaving our small town."

She paused, remembering how comforting those moments with her parents had been.

Maria: "But it wasn’t just the reading. It was the way stories made me feel. I’d stay up late, under the covers with a flashlight, just to finish that one last chapter. And then I’d wake up the next morning and tell my parents all about the characters, like they were real people I’d met. As I got older, that love of stories grew into a love for creating them myself. I started writing short stories in middle school, then eventually longer pieces in high school and college."

The interviewers were listening intently, smiling and nodding as Maria spoke. She felt a surge of confidence as she continued.

Maria: "There’s something magical about capturing emotions and experiences on a page. It’s like creating a time capsule of a moment, a feeling, that can resonate with someone across the world—someone you’ve never met. Writing connects people in a way that’s almost intangible, but it’s so real. I want to be a part of that connection. And I think working here, surrounded by people who share that same passion, would be an incredible opportunity."

There was a brief silence after Maria finished speaking, and for a moment, she worried she had gone too deep into personal territory. But then Caroline leaned forward, her expression warm.

Caroline: "That was beautiful, Maria. You have such a genuine love for what you do, and that’s exactly the kind of passion we look for. It’s clear you’re not just here for a job—you’re here to tell stories that matter."

Maria smiled, feeling a mix of relief and pride. The rest of the interview went smoothly, with questions about her skills, work processes, and how she handled challenges. As it wrapped up, she felt lighter, knowing she had given it her all.

Caroline: "We’ll be in touch soon, Maria. Thank you again for sharing your story with us. It was truly inspiring."