You Are My Father

The crisp morning air was filled with anticipation as Alex buttoned up his best shirt, preparing to face the challenges of a job interview. Nervous energy tingled through him as he adjusted his tie, the weight of past rejections lingering in his mind.

Issy handed Alex a hearty breakfast, a gesture of encouragement for his upcoming job interview. "All the best, bro!" she wished him, her eyes reflecting genuine support.

"I will do my best!" Alex replied, appreciating his sister's thoughtful gesture. The aroma of breakfast filled the room as he savored each bite, drawing strength from the familiar taste of home.

After relishing the nourishing meal prepared by Issy, Alex left his apartment, the aroma of optimism clinging to him like a reassuring cloak. As he strolled through the hallway, he encountered Mr. Thompson.

"Good morning, Mr. Thompson!" Alex greeted him warmly.

"Good morning, Alex!" Thompson replied, returning the friendly sentiment. "Where are you off to?" he inquired, curiosity etching his friendly smile.

"Just heading for a job interview," Alex replied, a mix of determination and nervousness in his voice.

"Good luck, kid! Return with a proud smile," Thompson wished him well, his words carrying a genuine encouragement that resonated with the aspiring job seeker.

With Thompson's words echoing in his mind, Alex reached the office. The intimidating yet promising atmosphere of the corporate realm awaited him. As he navigated through the corridors, the anticipation of the interview tugged at the edges of his confidence.

"Ok, Alex, you can do it!" he whispered to himself, attempting to bolster his resolve.

The interview room welcomed him with a mixture of formality and inquisitiveness. The interviewer, a poised professional, delved into the intricacies of Alex's resume.

"So, Alex, we see you resigned from your last job. May I ask why?" the interviewer posed the question, a discerning gaze fixed upon him.

Caught off guard, Alex hesitated. Memories of the reasons behind that decision surged. In the vivid flashback, a friendly face had approached Alex on his first day at the office.

"Hello, Alex!" the guy greeted, initiating what seemed like a genuine camaraderie.

As the memory fast-forwarded, it revealed the bitter betrayal—his so-called friend stealing Alex's creative ideas and shamelessly promoting them as his own. This betrayal became the catalyst for Alex's resignation.

"Mr. Alex? Mr. Alex?" The interviewer's voice brought him back to the present, the flashback fading like a haunting echo.

"I..." Alex started, grappling for a suitable response, but the words eluded him.

The ensuing silence carried unspoken expectations, while the interviewer, unfazed by Alex's momentary struggle, continued to scrutinize the hesitant candidate.

Regrettably, the moment of hesitation became the stumbling block in Alex's path. The interviewer, discerning a lack of clarity or confidence in the response, delivered the verdict.

"Sorry to inform you, Mr. Alex. You are rejected for the position," the interviewer declared, the words resonating in the room with an unwelcome finality.

As Alex left the office, the weight of disappointment clung to him, and the journey back home felt longer. Overwhelmed by the turn of events, he found himself seeking solace in the familiar surroundings of the nearby park where he often retreated to collect his thoughts.

Choosing a bench beneath the comforting shade of a tree, Alex sank into the wooden seat, his spirit heavy with the burden of rejection. The park, once a place of relaxation, now mirrored his despondent state.

He stared at the ground, lost in contemplation, as the shadows of surrounding trees danced on the pavement, echoing the somber rhythm of his thoughts. The whispers of rustling leaves overhead seemed to carry the weight of his disappointment.

Unbeknownst to Alex, Mr. Thompson, the friendly neighbor who had witnessed the highs and lows of his life, happened to be taking a stroll in the same park. Spotting Alex on the bench, he recognized the signs of distress in the young man he had come to regard almost like a son.

"Alex, my boy, what's troubling you?" Mr. Thompson's gentle voice cut through the heavy silence that enveloped the park. He approached the despondent figure on the bench, his caring eyes fixed on Alex as he took a seat beside him.

"Oh, Mr. Thompson! You're right," Alex confessed, the weight of rejection evident in his voice.

"Why don't you try again?" Mr. Thompson suggested, his wisdom radiating through his words.

"It's easy for you! It's not my first rejection!" Alex retorted, a tinge of frustration in his voice.

"So? What does that mean?" Thompson calmly inquired, urging Alex to reconsider.

"So what? I feel like I'll never get a job in my life," Alex replied, his tone reflecting the depth of his disappointment.

Mr. Thompson leaned in, his gaze unwavering. "How many times have you faced rejection?"

"Probably 15 times," Alex admitted, a hint of defeat in his voice.

"Do you know how many rejections I faced before my first movie? Fifty times," Mr. Thompson revealed, his eyes holding the weight of his past struggles. "But I'll never give up, even if it's a hundred times or a thousand, because it's my dream."

"Find your dream, and you won't be disappointed, even if rejection comes," he added, a touch of mentorship in his words.

A small, appreciative chuckle escaped Alex. "You're great, Mr. Thompson. Thanks," he expressed, his gratitude palpable.

"No mention," Thompson replied, sharing a warm chuckle.

"I wish you were in my life earlier, like a father," Alex confessed with a deep, emotional expression.

"Hasn't your father ever confronted you?" Mr. Thompson asked, a trace of concern in his eyes.

"No," Alex admitted, tears welling up.

"I'll be here for you, to confront you and guide you. I may have failed as a father once, but I won't this time," Thompson assured, his commitment unwavering.

With a sudden surge of emotion, Alex started to cry, finding solace in Thompson's comforting presence as he rested his head on his mentor's lap. In that moment, their bond transcended mentorship, resembling the warmth and understanding of a father and son.