Beneath Mr. Stormfield

The soft scent of lilies filled the tiny flower shop as Elena Hart carefully arranged fresh white stems into a glass vase. The evening rush had finally slowed down. Outside the glass windows of Florista, the city glowed beneath golden streetlights while people hurried home after long workdays. Inside, warm yellow lights and the fragrance of fresh flowers made the little shop feel peaceful. Elena glanced at the wall clock. 6:02 PM. Her shoulders ached from exhaustion. The annual campus recruitment event at Blaze University had taken the entire day. Big corporations from across the country had attended, collecting resumes from students for internships and placements. Including Stormfield Corporations. Elena had submitted her resume too. Not because she was confident. Because she needed the opportunity desperately. Her scholarship covered university tuition, but not her rent, groceries, transportation, or daily expenses. Every month felt like a careful balancing act. “You’re thinking too much again.” Elena looked up at the familiar voice. Mrs. Silvy Waynes stood near the counter holding a bouquet of roses, her gentle eyes fixed on Elena knowingly. At forty-five, Mrs. Waynes had the kind of warmth that made people feel safe instantly. Elena smiled faintly. “I’m okay.” “You look exhausted.” “It was recruitment day today at university.” “The big companies came?” Elena nodded softly. “I submitted my resume for internships.” Mrs. Waynes immediately smiled. “That’s wonderful, sweetheart.” Elena lowered her eyes toward the lilies again. “There were so many talented students there,” she murmured quietly. “I don’t know if I’ll get selected.” Mrs. Waynes walked closer and lightly squeezed her shoulder. “Any company would be lucky to have you.” The words warmed Elena’s chest unexpectedly. Before she could respond, Mrs. Waynes spoke again. “Now go home.” Elena blinked. “There’s still work left—” “And I can manage it.” Mrs. Waynes gave her a pointed look. “You need rest.” Elena laughed softly in defeat. “Okay.” After helping close the shop, Elena stepped outside into the cool evening air. Instead of taking the bus, she began walking home. It saved money. And right now, every little amount mattered. The streets were crowded, cars passing endlessly while cold wind brushed against her cheeks. Elena tightened her cardigan around herself and continued walking quietly beneath the city lights. By the time she reached her apartment building, it was almost eight. Her studio apartment was small but cozy. A narrow bed rested beside stacked textbooks and notebooks. A tiny table near the window held painting brushes, unfinished sketches, and jars of acrylic paint. The kitchenette was cramped but clean. Everything she owned fit inside this single room. Yet somehow, it still felt comforting. After changing into comfortable clothes, Elena quickly prepared a simple dinner before reviewing notes for a while. Eventually exhaustion became impossible to ignore. She placed her phone beside the bed and set the alarm before turning off the lights. Tomorrow was Saturday. No university. Just work at Florista. Closing her eyes, Elena silently hoped life would become easier someday. Sleep came quickly after that. --- The sharp ringing of her phone woke Elena the next morning. Still half asleep, she reached for her phone and frowned at the unknown number on the screen. “Hello?” “Good morning. Am I speaking with Miss Elena Hart?” Elena immediately sat up. “Yes.” “This is Sherlin Hayes from Stormfield Corporations’ Human Resources Department.” Her heartbeat stopped for a second. “We are pleased to inform you that you’ve been selected for our six-month Business Associate Internship Program.” Elena stared ahead silently. Selected? “Miss Hart?” “Yes— yes, I’m here.” “You are requested to report to Stormfield Corporations this Monday at 8:00 AM sharp for orientation.” A smile slowly appeared on Elena’s face. “Thank you so much.” After the call ended, Elena remained frozen for several seconds before suddenly grabbing her phone again. Mrs. Waynes answered almost immediately. “Elena?” “I got selected.” There was silence. Then— “I knew you would!” Mrs. Waynes exclaimed happily. Elena laughed softly, unable to stop smiling. For the first time in a long while… Things finally felt hopeful.