Stanley entered through the doors and immediately found a long line in front of the desk. Someone checked something on the computer while trying to talk to the others one by one.

Stanley sighed as he walked over to take a seat and check out some magazines. He turned and noticed a couple of picture frames on the wall that appeared to have the same person in them, except with a different outfit. Up at the top lied a small clock ticking, which seemed to move its arms backward. Stanley squinted his eyes to examine the clock, and the arms still moved back. He tilted his head in confusion. What’s going on? Was he seeing things or...?

“Next person, please.” Someone called out.

Stanley glanced over and found the line already gone. He looked around the room, wondering where everyone else went. Did time fly by that fast, and Stanley wasn’t aware of it, or did something else happen? Regardless, he prepared himself as he followed the other man to a room upstairs for the appointment.

Stanley entered the room and took a seat across the desk; an older man who had his hands folded neatly on the counter. A bright lamp post shone down on the center of the bureau and contrasted with the rest of the darkroom.

The man had a stern look in his eyes while Stanley tapped his foot and squeezed his hands, trying to calm down. He could hear his heart beating as he waited for the other guy to say something. The suspense killed him on the inside.

Finally, the employee spoke, which took Stanley by surprise. “Are you feeling comfortable?” He asked.

“Oh, uh, yes. I’m fine, thanks.” Stanley lied through his teeth as his face continued to sweat beads.

“Ok?” The man’s eyebrows creased at that remark. “So, tell me what your name is.”

“Jordan, Stanley Jordan, sir.”

The man took out some papers from his desk and wrote with his pen. He looked up at Stanley while raising an eyebrow. “So, is that your full name?”

“Um, yes?”

“So, is this your first time doing something like this?” Stanley didn’t respond to the question. The man sighed and continued to scribble information. “Alright, then let’s cut to the chase, shall we? What makes you think you’re right for this job?”

“I’m not so sure,” Stanley replied as he scratched the back of his head. “I haven’t planned on anything before, nor have I done anything I feel that is important.”

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“Do you even know what we do here?”

“Please, sir!” Stanley begged as he reached across the table to get closer to the man’s face. “I’ve got nowhere to go, and I don’t know what I should do! If I don’t get a job soon, I don’t know what I’d do!”

“Alright, alright! I’ll…” He hesitated. “I’ll think about it, ok?”

.-.-.-.

Time went by as Stanley exited the building; he sighed to himself and hung his head low.

Another interview tarnished, just my luck.

Not sure where to head to next, Stanley figured he checked in with all the different job applications available in the buildings, with none of them successful. Stanley wondered if things could get any worse, when a passing car drove through some water next to the sidewalk, soaking him in the process.

I didn’t even finish my sent— oh, forget it. Stanley thought as he stormed off to search for a drink stand.

He checked the map to look for an icon that could resemble a cart with drinks. He soon found a stand that held some water bottles on top of the shelves. There, Stanley also noticed a red-haired woman standing next to it. He realized that it was the same one that had a similar application earlier.

Now that he got a better look at her, she wore a white shirt, a short pink jacket, gray shorts, and had small white socks. The lady sipped on some water.

Stanley gulped. He wasn’t sure if she’d leave or how she’d react if he tiptoed around to find a drink. He walked over to try to get the merchant’s attention.

“Um, excuse me?” Stanley spoke up.

The red-head turned to face him with her emerald-green eyes. “Yes, did you want a drink too?”

“Yes, I wanted some lemon-lime soda and...”

“Oh, sorry, but they’re out of that soda.”

“Aw, man. I guess I’ll go with water, I hate drinking this stuff, though, but I’m thirsty.”

“I like it, I think water is good for you compared to soda.” The woman brought up, putting her bottle away in her purse.

“I know, but that doesn’t mean I like it.” Stanley took a water bottle and tried to open the bottle cap.

“Hey, do you have a map? I’d like to know which way the supermarket is, and I’m not sure where to go, can you help me?”

“Oh, sure thing.” Stanley checked his map for little icons that could resemble a supermarket or something of that sort. “It’s right over there.” He answered as he pointed in that direction.

“Ah, thank you very much, good sir.” The woman said with a smile as she turned around and left.

She smiled at him, grateful for his aid. As far as Stanley could remember, no one had been this kind to him before, for the longest time. His face beamed as it moved his heart, Stanley didn’t even know that person’s name either. He didn’t know why, but something warm and fuzzy hit him deep inside. Like what he did was worth it, even though it was just a simple gesture, and he would’ve done it for anybody regardless of their gratitude, right?

Now that Stanley thought about it, didn’t that supermarket she mention, also have a help-wanted sign? Could there be another application to get? Stanley’s eyes widened as he rushed over to find the market as soon as possible.