Chapter 3: Internships

The incident felt like a shell on the beach that accidentally stubbed its foot, but it wasn't worth dwelling on.

Sometimes it seems like life opens a window for you, only to turn your head and realize it's shutting the door you came through.

One day, my teacher called me into the office and told me about an internship opportunity with a consulting firm that he wanted to recommend me for. The catch was that the program would only give one internship to a student, and I would have to give up my part-time job at the café, wouldn't be paid for the internship, and might struggle to make ends meet.

After much hesitation, I declined the offer.

My teacher was surprised and emphasized the rarity of this opportunity, especially for a sophomore. He urged me to reconsider and give him an answer in the next two days.

Thanking my teacher, I left the office, feeling the weight of my financial constraints.

Later, at the café where I worked, I contemplated asking the owner's wife for a loan to tide me over during the internship, but I couldn't bring myself to broach the subject.

As I nervously took out the garbage, I collided with someone and quickly apologized, only to realize it was him.

"Why haven't you contacted me?" he asked, devoid of emotion or anger.

I was at a loss for words.

He reassured me, "Don't overthink it. I'm just trying to help you."

His sincerity and assurance instilled a newfound sense of trust in me.

He then advised, "Don't worry. You don't need to do anything."

Relieved that I wouldn't miss out on the internship, I was grateful for his unexpected support.

Encouraging me to focus on my studies, he mentioned the futility of a part-time job taking time away from academics, seeming to know more about my situation than I had anticipated.

As our conversation concluded, I realized I was still at work and hurried back inside, mindful of his advice.

The enigmatic stranger's intervention had left me with a mix of emotions and questions, adding an intriguing layer to my already complex predicament.

After class, I went to work at the café as usual. As I took out the garbage bag, worrying about asking for a loan from the owner's wife, I accidentally bumped into someone. When I looked up, I realized it was him.

"Why haven't you contacted me?" he asked, his expression neutral.

"I... I didn't know how to answer him," I stammered.

He leaned in, patting me gently on the shoulder and said, "Don't think too much about it. I'm just trying to help you."

I looked at him, feeling a sense of trust despite my lingering fear.

"Don't need you to do anything. The," he continued after a brief pause.

I kept my head down, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Good," he concluded softly.

He then encouraged me to focus on my studies, implying that a part-time job might detract from my academic pursuits. I struggled to communicate with this enigmatic person, but I decided to talk about my schooling.

"Well, I don't spend a lot of money, so if I didn't have to do an internship, this part-time job would actually be a great way for me to spend my money. It's possible to live, too," I explained, feeling a little ashamed.

He smiled and remarked, "It's okay, and also, are we both just going to stand in front of the cafe and talk?"

Suddenly realizing that I was still at work, I expressed my embarrassment, "I'm going to go in and get busy. I don't have any classes this afternoon, and I'm going to work until the store closes."

"Go get busy and don't forget to tell the boss's wife about the resignation," he reminded me.

"Uh-huh."