The woman he couldn’t let go

I hurried down the crowded sidewalk, my bag bouncing against my shoulder as I ran. I had checked the time three times already, but each glance only made me more anxious. I'm going to be late.I quickened my pace. This wasn't just another interview. It was the opportunity I had been praying for ever since Nana's doctor mentioned the cost of her medication. I couldn't afford to lose this chance. After another minute of running, a tall glass building came into view. Eldridge Paint Corporation. I stopped in front of the entrance, breathing heavily. I looked up at the company's name shining in silver letters. It was one of the biggest art supply companies in America. Artists dreamed of working there. I placed a hand over my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. "You've got this," I whispered. Taking one last deep breath, I walked inside.The lobby was beautiful. Paintings of different styles decorated the walls. Some were colorful and lively, while others carried quiet emotions that made people stop and admire them. I couldn't help smiling. One day, I hoped one of my own paintings would hang in a place like this. I walked to the reception desk.No one was there. I looked around, wondering where the receptionist had gone. Then I noticed a young man sitting nearby. He wore a navy-blue shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and black trousers. A jacket rested on his lap while his phone was in one hand. Without looking up, he asked,”Can I help you?" I'm here for today's interview." “Then wait for the receptionist." His answer was short. I blinked. "Could you please tell me where the interview room is?" The receptionist will be back." His eyes never left the document in his hand. That was it. Not even a proper glance.I frowned. What a rude person. “Thank you," I said politely.I turned to leave. Then I looked down at his expensive leather shoe. A tiny smile appeared on my face.As I walked past him... I stepped on it. Hard. “Ouch!" The young man stood up immediately. "My foot!" I widened my eyes as if it had been an accident.” Oh! I'm so sorry." I didn't sound sorry at all. Before he could say another word, I walked away. I could almost imagine the look on his face. Just then, the receptionist hurried back.” I'm so sorry for the wait."I smiled. “It's alright. I'm here for the interview." The receptionist checked the list before handing me a visitor's badge. “The interview is on the eighth floor. Turn left when you get out of the elevator." "Thank you."As the elevator doors closed, I caught one last look at the rude stranger still rubbing his foot. I smiled to myself. Maybe next time he'll learn some manners. The interview room was already filled with applicants. Some were pressing their phones while waiting. Others sat quietly with nervous expressions. I found an empty seat near the window. A few minutes later, the Managing Director entered. "Good morning, everyone." “Good morning, sir," we replied. “Today's interview won't begin with questions." He smiled. "We want to see your creativity." Assistants placed canvases, brushes, paints, and pencils in front of every applicant. "You may paint anything you wish." You have one hour."The room fell silent. I stared at the blank canvas.Then I smiled softly.I remembered sitting beside my father years ago. "Don't paint with your eyes," he used to say.”Paint with your heart." I picked up my brush.With my left hand. Slowly, colors began to spread across the canvas. I painted an elderly woman holding the hand of a little girl beneath a tree covered in golden leaves. To anyone else, it was simply a beautiful painting. To me... It was Nana and me. Outside the room, the Managing Director was speaking with the company's Vice President.”You should at least meet the new applicants." "I have another meeting." It'll only take a few minutes."The young man sighed. “Fine." The two men entered the interview room together. None of us noticed.Everyone was focused on their work. He walked past one painting after another without stopping. Until... He saw me. I held the brush with my left hand. His footsteps slowed. His mother had always painted with her left hand. Even the way I gently mixed my colors... The slight tilt of my head... It felt painfully familiar. For a brief moment, memories he hadn't thought about in years came rushing back.The Managing Director noticed he had stopped walking. "Is something wrong?"The young man looked at my painting again. An elderly woman.A little girl.Simple. Warm. Full of love. "Who's the applicant?" he asked quietly. The Managing Director looked at the application form. "Aria Williams."He repeated the name silently.Aria Williams. Without realizing it, he stood there until I finished my painting.”Time's up." Everyone put their brushes down. The manager moved around the room, carefully examining each painting. After thanking the applicants, the Managing Director smiled. "We'll contact the successful candidates tomorrow. Thank you for coming." I packed my things and quietly left the room.I had done my best. The rest was out of my hands. As I walked through the lobby, I wasn't paying attention.Suddenly— I bumped into someone. "I'm sorry."I looked up.It was him. The rude man from downstairs. He looked at me before letting out a tired sigh. “ My day just keeps getting better." I frowned. "If your day keeps getting better, I guess mine keeps getting worse then." I looked at him and walked past him. "Wait."