As Jade dove deeper into her work, she found herself embracing new challenges and skills. But a sudden change at her job—the company announced layoffs—left her vulnerable. One Friday, her manager called her in and broke the news: her position was being eliminated. The words hit her like a punch to the stomach.
Stunned, Jade packed her things and walked out, her mind racing with questions. What now? Had she made a huge mistake moving to the city? The fear and doubt returned, heavier than ever.
That evening, Sarah found Jade curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, staring into space. Without a word, Sarah sat beside her and put a comforting arm around her.
"It sucks, I know," Sarah said quietly. "But this city has a way of testing you. And I know you're stronger than this setback."
Jade sighed, feeling both comforted and restless. "I just feel like… everything's out of control. I came here to prove something to myself, and now it's like I'm right back at square one."
Sarah squeezed her shoulder. "Square one is where you find new directions. Maybe this is a chance to figure out what you really want."
That night, Jade lay awake, Sarah's words echoing in her mind. Instead of giving up, she started to think of the possibilities. Freelance work, maybe. Or even looking into fields she hadn't considered before. For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that this setback could be the start of something new.