Chasing Dreams

"Wow, I wish one day I can create something that cool," Ash said, standing very close to the TV screen as he watched a documentary on the architectural marvels of history.

"Ash, how many times do I have to tell you, not to site so close to the TV, it's not good for your eyes!" his mom said, preparing his lunch for the day.

"Yeah, yeah, Mom, I know. But look how incredible the Pyramids of Egypt, Temples of India, Colosseums of Rome, and especially the Castles of Europe are! How do you think they built those?"

"I'm not sure, Ash, but maybe one day you can grow up and find out for yourself," she replied.

"How will I find that out, though?"

"Well, why don't you become an architect when you grow up? They must know how those structures were constructed," she suggested.

"Architect? That sounds awesome! I want to be one now!" Ash exclaimed.

"Be patient, you can't become an architect just yet. You have to study hard, grow up, and only then can you become an architect," his mom advised.

"Alright, I promise I'll work extremely hard to be the best architect ever!" Ash declared with enthusiasm.

"Now, now. First, complete the homework due tomorrow and come eat dinner before you get lost in your dreams," his mom teased.

"Okay, I'm coming, I'm coming," Ash sighed.

As time went by, Ash's passion for architecture never faded. After graduating from college he finally got his first job interview.

"We're actually looking for someone with previous work experience"

"I understand, but I have an extensive amount of knowledge and received excellent grades in all my college courses. If you review my transcripts, you'll see that I achieved top marks," Ash reasoned.

"Many people can earn good grades, but real-world experience isn't something a letter grade can measure. Do you have a recommendation at least?" the interviewer inquired.

"I don't," Ash said.

"No work experience and no recommendation? You expect us to trust our clients and large budgets to someone with your credentials? Please leave and try elsewhere. We have other candidates waiting," the interviewer dismissed.

Disheartened, Ash departed, only to face the same rejection over the following weeks. One night, Ash went to a bar, trying to forget his troubles.

"I worked so hard to get here, sacrificed time, friends, social life, everything to be here. For what? To get rejected by some nobodies. Ash voiced his frustration.

The bartender cautioned him, "Please, sir, lower your voice. You're disturbing the other patrons."

"Sorry, I guess I had too many drinks. I'll head home and rest up to face another day of rejections," Ash slurred, his speech impaired from the alcohol.

Ash wobbled out of the bar and arrived at home to his small apartment littered with architectural books and blueprints strewn everywhere. He stepped through the mess and threw himself onto his bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

"Why is life so unfair?" Ash mumbled before drifting off. "I just want a chance to prove myself, just one opportunity, and the whole world will see what a great architect I can be."

Shortly after, Ash's phone rang. His mom was calling. Deep in sleep, Ash didn't hear the persistent ring of the phone. Soon after a mysterious voice echoed throughout the room.

"Why not, hopefully you'll be more interesting then the previous one?"