The office space at Ikati Construction Corps was expansive and meticulously organized, with greenery brightening the corridors and neat desks arranged thoughtfully. Alex walked through, his formal business suit and tie contrasting sharply with his visibly tired eyes and slightly unkempt hair. The interviewer, a middle-aged man with a friendly demeanor, stood and extended his hand. Alex shook it firmly before taking a seat.
"Welcome, Alex. Thank you for coming in today. I see you're fresh out of high school? Tell me a bit about why you're interested in the carpentry position." Alex managed a smile despite his exhaustion.
"Thank you for having me. I've always enjoyed working with my hands and building things. I've done a bit of woodworking in high school and I'm excited to learn more and develop my skills in a professional setting." The interviewer nodded, scribbling notes.
"Do you have any experience with carpentry tools or techniques?" Alex nodded confidently.
"I've worked with basic tools like saws, hammers, and drills. I took a woodworking class in high school where I learned some basic techniques and safety procedures. I'm eager to build on that experience and learn more on the job." The interviewer nods.
"Carpentry often involves problem-solving. Can you describe a time when you faced a challenge and how you resolved it?" Alex's smile faltered slightly as he recalled his recent experiences.
"Once, during my woodworking class, I was working on a project and realized my measurements were off. I had to figure out how to adjust the cuts to make everything fit properly. I reviewed the plans, made the necessary adjustments, and re-measured to ensure accuracy. It taught me the importance of attention to detail and patience." The interviewer jotted down notes and looked up.
"Now let's move onto more personal questions… Here at Ikati Construction Corps, we value personal values over work values. Can you tell me about your long-term goals and what drives you?" Alex took a deep breath, his thoughts briefly drifting back to Emma. The contrast between his personal challenges and professional aspirations was stark, but he knew he needed this job not just for himself but for Emma's future.
"I'm focused on building a stable career that allows me to grow both professionally and personally. I want to be someone who can take pride in their work and contribute meaningfully to their field. This job aligns perfectly with my goals and values." The interviewer smiled, seemingly satisfied.
"Thank you, Alex. We'll be in touch soon." As Alex left the office, he felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. The interview had gone well, but the looming uncertainty of Emma's situation and his new responsibilities weighed heavily on him. Lifting his hands and stretching. His joints point as he yawns,
Sitting down in the lobby, Alex let out a long breath, rubbing his eyes. The weight of everything—Emma, the interview, the future—pressed down on him. He leaned back and closed his eyes for just a second, hoping for some relief. Then, his phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him back to reality. Pulling out his phone and answering the call.
"Hello?"
Alex rushes through the hospital entrance, his breath heavy, heart pounding from the stress of the day. The hospital for the town was a major medical center. Known for taking care of several county's worth of people with its low prices and extensive care.
The sterile smell of antiseptic filled his lungs as he sat down in the stiff chair, the quiet beeping of machines surrounding him. The hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, making it hard to think clearly. Alex hadn't realized how much he'd missed Emma in the short hours he was gone. His mind raced as he navigated the familiar halls, unsure of what awaited him after the morning's drop-off.
He reached the pediatric ward, the sound of beeping machines and the sterile smell of antiseptic greeting him as he approached the nurse's station. Taking a few quick deep breaths while leaning on the counter. Looking at the lady behind the counter.
"I'm here for Emma… the baby I dropped off earlier," Alex said, his voice anxious. The nurse nodded sympathetically.
"Okay… Dr. Patel will meet you shortly, Alex… Just take a seat for a moment." Alex took a few more breaths and his stomach tightened. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled his lungs as he sat down in the stiff chair, the quiet beeping of machines surrounding him. The hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, making it hard to think clearly. A few minutes later, a tall woman with kind eyes, dressed in a white coat, walked over.
"Alex, I'm Dr. Patel… You're Emma's… brother?" Alex shakes his head no.
"No… I found him on my doorstep last night…" Dr. Patel nods and smiles calmly.
"We've been monitoring Emma, and we've run a few tests while you were at your interview. Would you like to come with me?" Alex nodded silently, rising from his seat.