In the Boss’s Arm

“ The day has only just begun, yet I’m already feeling tired. Guess why? Because I’m jobless! It sucks for real. No job, no school, I’m just home applying for one job after the other, and all I get in return is rejection! My email is filled with rejection letters. I am staring at the latest rejection email from a bakery where I applied as a sales rep. I can’t believe the owners rejected me just because I had no experience. I mean, where do I get experience if no one hires me? They are inhumane. Come to think of it, my life is so pathetic. Most of my high school classmates, if not all of them, got admitted to the best universities in California and some in other cities. But here I am, seeking a job, so I can earn and save before next fall. To make it worse, my Dad decided to fall ill right after high school. It’s not like I’m blaming him for being diagnosed with leukemia, but why now? He should have chosen a better time, like when I’m financially stable or something. Dad and I used to be close, sharing morning runs and weekend fishing trips. Now, he's too weak to even leave the house, and our conversations are filled with awkward silences. I miss the way he used to make everything seem possible, and his unwavering belief in me. I’m exhausted by this whole drama in my life. This isn’t the life I envisioned for myself. Life feels cruel, like it’s laughing at my misery. I had better go out for a run before I lose my mind here. I shuffle to my closet and change into my gray hoodie and black leggings, slip into my black sneakers, pack my hair into a ponytail, and grab my phone from the table. Ah, my headphones…I need music to make this run more pleasurable. I returned to the table and picked it up before dashing out. “Hey Dad, I’m going for a jog. I’ll be right back,” I called out to him in the living room. “You’re thinking again, Kate,” he replied. And I know what else is coming: sermons on the mountains. What that simply means is that my dad will start with his lectures about not getting overly worried just because I don’t have a job or am not in school, and blah blah blah. To avoid it, I rushed out of the house. As I jog to the park, my mind swirls with thoughts of not having a job. Each step feels heavier than the last, not because of fatigue but because of the weight of uncertainties weighing on my mind. Bills are piling up, and the savings I had are quickly dwindling. The usual joy I find in my morning runs has been replaced by incessant worries about my future. I reached the park and slowly took a walk, trying to catch my breath and clear my head. As I round a bend, I see an old man sitting on a bench, engrossed in his newspaper. He seems serene, a stark contrast to my current state of turmoil. “Good morning,” I approached, attempting to sound cheerful as I approached him. He looks up and smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Good morning, young lady. Lovely day for a run, isn’t it?” I wish so. “It is,” I replied, though my mind was far from the beauty of the day. I sat next to him. “What are you reading?” “The daily news,” he says, holding up the newspaper. “It’s my morning ritual,” he adds. I nodded, glancing at the paper. Something caught my eye; a job ad. You wouldn’t blame me, alright? Everywhere I go, I’m always on the lookout for a job even though I’ll get rejected at the end of the day. I just want to fulfill all righteousness. “Do you mind if I take a look at that for a moment?” I asked, forcing a smile, hoping to hide my desperation. “Not at all,” he replied, handing the paper to me. “It’s so rare to see young ladies like you reading the news these days. I’m impressed. Just take your time.” I roll my eyes mentally. My eyes scanned the page, and there it was: “Secretary needed for the CEO of Emporium De Fragrance. Competitive salary and benefits. Apply within.” “This is perfect,” I murmured, more to myself than to the old man. Wait, did I say it’s perfect? I give a mental laugh at myself. What makes me think I’ll get a job at the richest perfume company when I haven’t gotten one at smaller companies? “Looking for a job?” the old man’s voice invaded my thoughts. I squint at him, and there is a knowing smile on his face that made me a bit embarrassed. “Yes,” I admitted. “I’ve been struggling to find something suitable, and this…this seems like a great opportunity, I guess.” He nods thoughtfully. “Sometimes the right opportunity comes when you least expect it. You should apply.” I frowned slightly. “You think so? I don’t think I’m a good match for it.” “Of course you are. You seem like a smart and intelligent young lady. I believe you can handle the role,” he says, flashing me a reassuring smile. Does intelligence and smartness work in companies such as Emporium De Fragrance? I once heard they only hire university graduates. So, what’s the possibility they’ll hire a high school graduate like me? “You know, life has taught me not to focus on my weaknesses, but rather on my strength. It has also taught me not to compare myself to others. While I was of your age, I did that. I always thought going to the best school and dressing nicely would help me get to where I want to be. But I came to realize that none of that matters. What matters most is your abilities and the attitude you possess. These are the things that can take you far,” the old man continued like he had just read my mind. “Wow, that makes sense,” I admitted with a nod. Maybe I should listen to the old man and give it a try. “Okay…I will give it a shot. Thank you for letting me see this,” I added, feeling a surge of confidence and determination. He smiles warmly at me. “Anytime. Good luck. I’m rooting for you. I’m sure you’ll do great.” Would I do great? Or is he just trying to cheer me on? Whichever one it is, I returned his smile. “Thank you,” I said again, handing the newspaper back to him. “I appreciate it.” I rose from the bench. “Let me allow you to enjoy your reading.” “Have a great day ahead, stranger.” I giggle at his sense of humor, stepping backward. “Kate is the name.” “Nice meeting you, Kate. I’m Blake!” he calls back, grinning. “Bye, Blake!” I waved at him and continued my jog out of the park. For some reason, I feel hopeful as I leave the park. I guess it wasn’t a waste of time coming out for a jog this morning.