Beginning

Barbara stepped out of the building where she had just completed her interview, her eyes scanning the bustling streets of New York. She let out a heavy sigh, her heart still racing.

"Barbara, wait!"

She turned at the sound of her name, spotting Hennessy walking briskly toward her.

"Hey," she greeted him, her voice still tinged with nervousness.

Hennessy approached with an easy smile. "That was something, wasn't it?" he said, his tone lighthearted, though Barbara could tell he was also processing what had just unfolded.

Her mind drifted back to the moment only a few minutes ago.

Barbara sat beside Hennessy in the interview room, her hands tightly clasped together. Across from them stood Miranda, the interviewer, with a folder in hand and an air of authority.

"First of all," Miranda began, addressing them both with a practiced smile, "let me say that you two were among the best candidates we've ever had the pleasure of interviewing."