The Almost Man

Four: Burning Out Bright

Afraid. That was what she felt as she stood at the entrance of the forty-story building serving as the headquarters of the world-renowned magazine Royalty. That word nearly wasn't enough to actually describe her state at the moment because she was more than that. She was scared to death and feeling bunch of emotions that were threatening to smother her. She had never felt as nervous and as exhilarated in her life. It was finally her time to shine.

She took a shaky breath, looked up again at the tall building, and unconsciously straightened her skirt. The thunder rumbled loudly in the sky. It had turned dark when she was on her way to her interview and was about ready to dump water on land. She had to get in before it starts raining. If she believed in bad omens, she would be petrified on what the weather could be hinting at her. 

        C'mon! It's not difficult. Walk towards the door, pull it, and go straight to the receptionist. Don't forget to smile because they might think you're unfriendly. You want them to think you're nice and people loving.

She chanted the words inside her head couple of times and released her breath. Then she stepped forward.

The door was only five steps away and yet, it felt like an eternity before her hand touched the handle. Her knees wobbled every step she took and she nearly tripped on her feet on the last step. Fortunately, the handle was already in front of her and saved her from the disgraceful act of turning into a human puddle. That was not something she wanted to show to her possibly, and wishfully, future employer.

She had been inside the building a number of times before. After all, it was part of her monthly routine to submit her portfolio there. But when she walked in that time, everything was different.

She felt breathless as the thick air of the lobby greeted her nose. The shimmering lights of massive chandeliers illuminated the vast space of the reception. The sound of chatters seemed to echo in the wide walls and even her footsteps were like thunder beneath her feet, so she stopped moving. She stood there, staring at the reception desk that looked far away even though it was just twenty steps from where she was standing.

She was entranced. It felt like her first time there. The elegance, beauty and regal of the lobby amazed her to no ends.

         I'm gonna be working here. Soon.

Her nervousness was slowly melting away, replaced by confidence and excitement. Her shoulders straightened, her spine stiffened and she raised her head high.

        I am majestic. I am entitled. I am a royalty.

She approached the reception with her newly found courage and hope. Her whole focused was on the receptionist who was looking at her strangely with her hand on the phone.

      Her entrance was outstanding, she thought. Her posture was perfect. So was her smile. She appeared confident but not too giddy. Everything went as planned.

Until it didn't.

Five steps away from the reception, things took a different turn. Since her whole attention was on her walk towards the receptionist, she didn't see the incoming disaster headed her way.

Just as she planted her feet firmly on the floor, she was hit by what she first assumed as a truck. She was floating for what felt like eternity before crumbling into the floor. She laid there motionless, unable to move. She didn't know what happened.

There was loud shot that rang across the lobby. "Miss, are you okay? I'm sorry. I didn't see you," the voice on her right said. She couldn't see him since she didn't want to move her head, afraid there might be an injury.