I walked into the interview thinking this was the beginning of something amazing. But the moment I saw who was sitting on the other side of that desk, my excitement turned to dread. Of all the people I could’ve met, it had to be the one I never wanted to face again—turning my dream into a living nightmare.
Didn’t we all have dream jobs when we were kids? Mine was to become an architect, just like my father. Unlike most childhood dreams, mine never faded—it grew stronger with time.
From a young age, my dad taught me how to sketch buildings and always encouraged me. He cheered me on through university, guiding me every step of the way. But just a few months before graduation, he passed away.
His death shattered me. He never got to see me achieve what we’d both dreamed of. Still, I kept pushing forward—for him.
Eventually, I had to move back to my hometown—the place filled with memories, some too heavy to carry. I hadn’t returned in nearly seven years, but I did it because I wanted a shot at the company my dad once worked for. The very place I had idolized since I was little.
I found an apartment close to the office, holding onto hope that I’d finally be part of that world. As I unpacked boxes, I felt quietly confident. I had worked hard for this. I had earned it.
One box held a photo of me and my dad. I placed it on a shelf, a silent promise that this was for him too.
The night before the interview, I was too anxious to sleep. Instead, I kept organizing, trying to calm myself down. At some point, I must’ve passed out right there on the floor.
When I woke up, there were still two hours to spare. I quickly got ready, had breakfast, and headed to the company that meant everything to me.
As I walked through the doors, my legs trembled. I was back in the building I used to visit as a little girl, tagging along with my dad. It felt surreal.
I reached the hallway outside the interview room and sat down among the other applicants. Some wore suits, others dressed more casually. All of them were here chasing the same dream, and the pressure started closing in on me.
Then I heard my dad’s voice echo in my mind:
“You’re stronger than anyone who doubts you. Believe in the belief I had in you.”
I inhaled deeply. Just then, one of the candidates walked out of the room. A voice from inside called my name—familiar in the worst way.
I froze.
And suddenly, I realized… this was not going to be the interview I expected.