Love in bloom

The Unexpected Start

As I stood outside the building, a strange mix of panic and exhaustion washed over me. Seriously, Sophia? One day without chaos-was that too much to ask? I let out a sigh so deep it could've come from my soul. I was lost, phone-less, and already late. And to top it all off, I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. Breakfast, I mentally scoffed. If a half-burnt piece of toast counts.

I took a deep breath and tried to reassess. "Alright, Sophia. Just ask someone for help. Worst case, they think you're a lost tourist," I muttered under my breath.

I spotted a kind-looking lady walking towards me and took my chance. "Excuse me, ma'am," I said, plastering on what I hoped was my least-crazed expression. "Could you tell me where the Global Pathways Institute is?"

She smiled warmly and nodded. "Of course, dear. Just go through that entrance and take the stairs up," she said, as if this was the simplest task in the world.

"Stairs?" I mumbled, trying to keep my polite smile from slipping. Why not just send me on a mountain hike while you're at it? "Thank you so much," I added before heading inside.

The stairway seemed endless, each step feeling like it was mocking me. Note to self: get in shape, or at least pretend to. By the time I reached the top, I was sure my lungs had filed for divorce.

The office was alive with the buzz of activity-phones ringing, people moving with purpose, and the hum of conversations. My palms were already sweating. Get it together, Sophia. Don't look like you just ran a marathon.

I scanned the room and my eyes fell on a woman with a sleek bob haircut who moved with the kind of confidence you only read about. Someone called out her name-"Emily!"-and my ears perked up. Emily. Even her name sounded like it had walked out of a fashion magazine. I smirked to myself.

My smirk disappeared when I heard a sharp, authoritative voice.

"Miss Sophia, you're late."

I turned and found myself face-to-face with the interviewer, Gurnaaz. She looked at me with an expression so severe it could curdle milk.

"Great," I muttered under my breath. "Here we go.

I swallowed hard, forcing a shaky smile. "I'm so sorry, ma'am. I-"

"No excuses," Gurnaaz cut me off, her eyes narrowing. "Sit down over there," she pointed to a small couch near her desk.

Perfect. First impressions couldn't possibly get any better than this, I thought sarcastically, sinking into the seat. As Gurnaaz picked up the phone to call someone, I took the opportunity to observe the room. The tension made it feel like the air had weight, pressing down on me.

Suddenly, a burst of laughter from across the room caught my attention. Emily, the confident woman was talking animatedly with a colleague. She moved with such grace, making everyone around her seem at ease. Why can't I be like that? I wondered. Just watching her made a small, unexpected smile creep onto my face. Maybe not everyone here was as terrifying as Gurnaaz.

I was snapped out of my thoughts by Gurnaaz's voice, sharp as ever. "I just spoke to Mr. Karen. He confirmed your reference."

Thank God, I thought, relief washing over me for a split second before Gurnaaz's next words hit me.

"Head up to the fourth floor," she said, as if dismissing me. "There's no elevator, so take the stairs. You'll need to deliver a demo to the students. If they're satisfied, we'll talk. If not, you can leave."

I stood up, legs wobbling slightly. "Alright," I managed, trying to sound braver than I felt.

Before I turned away, I heard her mutter, "Let's see if you're worth our time."

I bit my lip, not sure if I wanted to laugh or cry at the absurdity of this day. Why not both? I thought as I trudged toward the stairs again.