Unknown Call
“Applicant seventy?” I stood up and tried to fix my wrinkled clothes from waiting in my designated seat. “Please take your seat,” the lady in formal attire instructed me.
“Thank you,” I muttered. “Good morning,” I greeted the people sitting in front of me. They all nodded while busy looking at their papers.
“Thank you for making it today, Ms. Marquez,” a woman in her mid-forties began. She had a well-maintained and poised demeanor, with a hint of sophistication in her style. Her features showed a blend of youthfulness and maturity, with a few lines adding character to her face. “We can see here that you don’t have enough experience to be qualified for the vacant position. Can you please tell us why we should hire you?”
I blinked twice, already assuming that my experience would be questioned given that I didn’t meet the full criteria for the position.
“While my direct experience in a corporate setting may be limited, my background as a nurse, coupled with my passion for providing quality healthcare, uniquely qualifies me for this role. I believe my clinical skills, ability to assess and respond to medical emergencies, and my commitment to promoting health and safety in the workplace make me a strong candidate for the position of company nurse.”
I smiled to hide my anxiety. “I am dedicated to providing compassionate care to employees, implementing health and wellness programs, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your team, contributing to a healthy and safe work environment for all employees.”
They seemed unbothered by my answer, as though they were expecting it.
“Well, can you also tell us why, for the past five years, we only see your employment as freelance? What made you decide not to commit to a job related to your degree that might enrich your knowledge?”
“Uh,” I sighed. “My dad died when I was twelve, and I had to help my mother make ends meet. Although I would have loved to pursue my degree, I was needed by my family. Three years ago, my mom died, which made me the sole breadwinner for a family of three. I know this may sound ridiculous, but I’m trying to get back on my feet now that I fortunately have a choice.”
They nodded and wrote something on their papers.
“Alright, we will give you a heads-up if you get the job. Thank you for your time and effort coming here today, Ms. Marquez.”
I bid my goodbye before leaving the room. I wasn’t confident with my answers, but I couldn’t lie just to get the job.
I sighed as I looked at the wall clock near the elevator. It was already eleven twenty in the morning.
It’s been a week since the incident at Grayson’s residence happened, and life had resumed its usual rhythm, though the echoes of that night still lingered in my mind. I couldn’t shake the image of Grayson’s troubled eyes or the tension that had filled the room. As I walked down the corridor, my thoughts were a jumble of reflection and concern.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and I stepped inside, feeling the weight of the recent past bearing down on me. The soft hum of the elevator and the faint smell of disinfectant offered little comfort. The glossy metal walls mirrored my weary expression.
When the elevator reached the lobby, I walked out and noticed a familiar face by the entrance—an older man with a stern expression and a clipboard in hand. He looked up as I approached. “Ms. Marquez?”
“Yes, that’s me,” I replied, trying to muster a smile.
He handed me a thick envelope. “You’ve been selected for the position. Please review the contents, sign where indicated, and return it to us by the end of the day.”
I took the envelope, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. “Thank you.”
As I walked out of the building, the envelope felt like a tangible reminder of both opportunity and uncertainty. I needed to take a moment to process the news and what it meant for my future. The streets outside were bustling with activity, but my mind was elsewhere, lost in thought.
I decided to head to a nearby café, hoping a hot cup of coffee might provide some clarity. Settling into a corner table, I carefully opened the envelope. The offer letter was straightforward, but there were additional documents outlining the role’s responsibilities and benefits. My heart raced as I read through them, trying to envision how my life would change with this new position.
My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my reverie. It was a message from an unknown number. I opened it, and the text read: *“We need to talk about what happened. Meet me at the café on Elm Street.”*
The message was vague but carried an undertone of urgency that made me uneasy. I glanced at my watch—it was almost noon. I had time to visit the café and see what this was about. I finished my coffee, gathered my things, and headed out, the mysterious message weighing heavily on my mind.
As I walked towards Elm Street, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was about to unfold. The café was small and cozy, with a few patrons scattered around. I scanned the room as I entered, looking for the person who sent the message.
A figure in a dark coat and hat sat in the back corner, their face partially obscured. I approached cautiously. “Excuse me, are you the one who sent the message?”
The figure looked up, and I was met with a pair of intense eyes that seemed to bore into my soul. “Yes, Ms. Marquez. Please, sit.”
I took a seat across from them, my heart pounding. “What’s this about?”
The person leaned forward, their voice low. “I have information that might be crucial for your new role. It’s about Grayson and the incident from last week. I believe you need to know what’s really going on.”
The room seemed to close in around me as I awaited their next words. This was not what I expected, but it was clear that whatever this was, it was important.
