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It’s just like my brother to change the subject when things get emotional. I send an eye-roll emoji.
Me:When can you visit me?
Brody:Not yet. I'm training for the big motor cross show. It's in a couple of months. Make or break time, you know?
Me:So exciting! You'll ace it.
Brody:Back atcha, sis. You'll nail the job interview once the boss meets you.
Me:Hopefully! It's a phone interview, but I’m visiting the office in person to see if I'm comfortable working in the area.”
Brody:You dressed up for a phone call? You’re a good little girl scout.
He attaches a gif of Elle from Legally Blonde.If we were face to face, I’d punch him. The joke only makes me miss him more. I knew leaving home wouldn’t be easy, but it hurts more than I expected.
Me:You know it. Talk later.I add a winking emoji and slip the phone into my bag.
As I make my way down the street, I spot a small shop with a wooden sign that reads “Spirits & Potions.” Intrigued, I stop in front of the window and peer at the shelves groaning under the weight of whimsical gifts and curiosities.
Suddenly, a woman sporting fabulous blue hair and a beaming smile emerges from behind a curtain at the back of the shop. “Welcome to Spirits & Potions!” she chirps. “Can I help you?”
I hesitate for a moment, captivated by her energy. I’ve always been interested in the supernatural, but I grew up in a circus and saw all the secrets behind the “magic.” It’s hard for me to believe that there are genuinely inexplicable things in the world.
I return her smile. “This place caught my eye, but I’m not looking for anything.”
She chuckles. “This place draws people in. Are you interested in the mystical and magical?”
I shake my head. “No thanks. I’m only exploring.”
The woman’s expression changes. She stares into the distance at the dust motes dancing in a beam of sunlight. “The winds of change led you to this unfamiliar place. Destiny will ignite the fire within you and fulfill your soul's deepest desires.”
“Um, okay. Thanks.”
Right now, my soul's deepest desire is to get a job so I can pay the mortgage. I retreat, taking measured steps as I resume my journey. No more wandering like a tourist—it's time to locate the building where my potential new job awaits.
I quicken my pace until I arrive at a modest, brick office building bearing a discreet sign, “North Star Detective Agency.”
As I stand on the street corner, taking in the surroundings, the faint aroma of coffee drifts from a nearby café, teasing my senses. The moment kindles an image of me buying coffee on the way to work at North Star.
Light rain begins to fall. Its soft pitter-patter taps the pavement. Clutching my phone tightly, I tuck myself under an awning to avoid getting wet and inhale deeply, filling my lungs with cool air to settle my nerves.
With trembling hands and a racing heart, I dial the number.
“North Star Detective Agency,” declares the man on the other end. His assertive tone leaves no room for small talk or pleasantries.
I take a deep breath, determined to make a good impression. “Hello. Celeste MacRoth,” I say, striving to keep my voice steady. “We have an interview scheduled.”
A tense silence envelops the line, stretching into eternity. The strength in my knees wanes with each passing second, and they threaten to give way beneath me.
The man finally breaks the silence, his voice like gravel as he says, “Ah, yes. Thank you for calling.I'm Atlas Everlast, the owner. I reviewed your resume, and while your study credentials are impressive, there are no references. Could you tell me why before we continue?”
The weight of his question presses down on me, threatening to crush my hopes and dreams. “I've been traveling the country, and my paperwork got lost. But I can provide phone numbers for verbal character references,” I explain earnestly.
“I see,” he says coolly.
Sweat beads on my temple. His opinion matters, but how can I spark his interest and leave a lasting impression?“I may not have direct experience working in an office like yours, but I’ve been working in one way or another my entire life. I'm a quick learner and adaptable to any situation.”A nervous smile tugs at the corners of my lips. I hope my answer didn’t sound as desperate as it felt.
“Why do you want to work for North Star? What attracted you to this position?”
