The Interview

I glanced down at the address I had written down, then back up at the setting sun. I really didn't want to go to this place at night, but since this was the one day I had an evening class I had no other choice. Sure, I could've skipped class and gone earlier, but I figured that I'd probably be in the same amount of danger no matter the time of day. Was even going to the "interview" the smartest idea? no. not in the slightest. However, my options at this point were dying by starvation or maybe getting murdered, so I was willing to take my chances.

I didn't know where this place was, I didn't know if anyone would be there when I found it, and I had no idea what I'd do if there were people there. Nevertheless, I pressed on in hopes of maybe getting some money soon.

I tried entering the address into the GPS connected to my Photon. no results. I added one to the last number and entered it again to at least find a building next to it. The light around me began to shift and move. After a moment, a map appeared in my hands. There was an outline of the city with a red line between me and my destination.

The building was only about a mile away so it didn't take me long to find it. Once I arrived I started to look around for the address. The street was filled with tall office buildings, but none of them carried the same address I had. When I was about to give up, I saw a small light turn on.

The light was far back in the alley between two of the office buildings. As I approached it I saw that it was coming from a window of a building the size of a small house. I stepped up to the door and noticed that the address was posted on the wall. Much to my dismay, it was the exact address I was looking for.

I paced outside the door and pondered on whether I should knock or if starvation was really a bad way to go out. After much deliberation, I decided that I'd rather die quickly, so I knocked on the door.

A minute passed with no sign of an answer from the other side of the door. Just as I turned to leave, the door flung open and I was grabbed and pulled inside. I expected to see a muscly guy holding a gun or knife, but instead I was greeted with a tall woman in a suit. she sat down behind a desk in front of me and started to write something down.

"Were you followed?"

"I don't know...was I supposed to be?"I replied nervously.

"No, at least, I don't think so," she said with a puzzled look.

I stared at her, confused.

"Anyway, that doesn't matter right now. My name is Lisa and I'm your boss."

"Wait, who said I agreed to work here in the first place?"

She put down whatever she was writing, "Well, you showed up didn't you?"

"Yeah, but I don't even know what I'm supposed to do here. What the heck does an information examiner even do?"

"I don't know, but it sounds official doesn't it?" she said, proudly.

I let out a long sigh, "So what exactly do you do?"

"We are going to save the world!"

"Right...of course, why wouldn't we do that...makes perfect sense."

"I know it may seem like a lot to handle at first, but I have an ace up my sleeve that will help us."

"mhmm, and what might that be?"

she stood up and leaned over the desk with excitement, "I can see the future!"

when she got closer, I saw that her suit and pants were entirely different colors. not only that, but the suit itself seemed to be a size too big, her shirt was covered in coffee stains, and her tie was rather obscure and loosely hung around her neck. Her overall appearance was sloppy, and it looked like she hadn't slept in a couple of days at least.

"You know, on second thought, I think I'd rather starve after all," I said as I turned to leave.

"Wait, I can prove it"

"I'm sure you can, but why should I stay here and wait for you to do it?"

"If you stay, I'll give you this month's pay in advance."

I immediately turned around, "Alright let's see this proof then."

she muttered under her breath, "That was easy."

"What?"

"I didn't say anything. Here read this," she said as she handed me the paper she was writing on before.

My eyes widened as I read down the page. On it was our entire conversation even up to me reading the paper. I knew for a fact that she stopped writing halfway through the conversation.

"Okay, so you can predict what I'm going to say, big deal. How's that going to save the world?"

"Oh, I can predict much more than just your sarcastic remarks. Let's just say that the future isn't looking too bright for us."

"Even if the world is in danger for some reason, why do you need me?"

"Oh no, no, no I don't really need you in particular, but one woman can only do so much you know," she stretched out her hand, "Anyway, congratulations on finishing the interview you are officially hired. By the way, what's your name?"

I shook her hand and replied, "it's Washi."

A small laugh escaped from her lips, "quite the name you have there."

"You think it's funny don't you?"

"Oh not at all," she said while giggling.

"Whatever, can I have my paycheck now?"

"Sure it's right here," she pulled out an envelope still laughing.

She handed me the paycheck. I grabbed it and tried to pull it away, but she was still gripping onto it.

"I expect to see you here tomorrow at the same time."

"You know, I could just take this money and never come back."

"If you take the money and don't come in for work tomorrow, I think that being broke will be the least of your worries."

"Was that a threat?"

She smiled, "You won't have to find out as long as you show up tomorrow."

I shivered a little, "I was just joking, of course, I'll come tomorrow. Although I really have to be going right now so if you don't mind I'll be taking this" I pulled the envelope out of her hand as she let go.

"See you tomorrow."

"I can't wait," I said while fast walking out of there.

After the building was out of sight, I took a peek inside the envelope. As happy as I was to see some money, I still couldn't help but be dismayed at the small portion of it. For an entire month's pay, it was maybe minimum wage, but even that might be too generous.

I put the money aside for the moment and took solace in the fact that I could buy food when I got back to college. I had also hoped to go to the coffee shop again, but it looked like that wouldn't be happening for a while.

Once I got to my room I collapsed on my bed. I didn't know if I was exhausted from the lack of food or from worrying about tomorrow. Maybe, just maybe, I would go to sleep and wake up the next morning and realize that it was all a dream.