Be Brave

‘Be brave, be brave, be brave!’, Claire kept repeating to herself, as she was walking slowly behind the receptionist that was leading her into the interview room. She felt her throat closing up and her feet sink into the soft carpet lining the industrial hallway. Inside her a rational, small Claire was working hard to keep it together.

‘You can do this! They will not kill you! They will just ask some questions! Come on! Breathe in, breathe out!’, she hugged her laptop tightly trying to ground herself.

‘Here we are!’, the receptionist opened a tall, glass door and lights went on by themselves.

‘Have a seat where you prefer. Would you like some water?’, her voice is kind, but cold and professional. Claire is one of the many interviewees she will lead that day.

With a small nod to having water Claire walks into the chilly room. She wishes she had brought a jacket. There are 7 chairs to choose from around the oval conference table. Claire does not know if one is better than another, so she just plops herself down in the one closest to her. Now all she wants is to survive the meeting without embarrassing herself. The job, the amazing job that she would be so good at is totally out of her mind. She feels like throwing up.

Claire arranges all her little bits beautifully in front of her, drawing strength from their order. Outside, people with badges on their person move about, talking and laughing. She so desperately wants to be one of them. Her jealousy renews her focus and crystalizes her desire. If only her nerves would allow her to speak.

The receptionist comes back with a small tray. She puts down a bottle of water and three glasses. Claire is surprised to see a tea mug on the tray.

‘This is for you, I often find holding a warm cup of tea in my hands, smelling it, just relaxes me a bit.’, a slight smile flourishes on her face and Claire is grateful for the kindness.

‘Thank you so much! That is so kind of you!’, her voice is frail, but it is back.

‘No worries! They will be with you in a few minutes! Good luck!’, she waves and leaves the room noiselessly.

Claire cups the tea mug with her hands and inhales its scent. A strange smell of lavender and mint envelops her. She smiles. This must be the strangest tea she has ever tried, but she is grateful for the hot liquid relaxing her.

Soon they arrive. A fantastic transformation takes place in Claire. As soon as the interview starts she forgets all about her anxiety, her fears and anguish, she just goes into an automated mode that allows her to answer all the questions, to make a small joke here and there, to be charming and present herself as best as she can.

‘We will be in touch, thank you for your time today!’

They leave and the receptionist materializes herself there instantly, as if she were part of the fabric of the building.

‘How was it?’, she is casual and professional at the same time.

Claire is not sure if it is appropriate, but she feels the need to express her gratitude.

‘I am so grateful to you for your kindness, I do not know how to repay you!’

‘If you get the job it will be repayment enough!’

They walk silently in the great corridor and Claire looks around at the huge industrial surroundings. She wishes she worked there so much!

She says her goodbyes and while walking out, on a chair, she sees a woman just like her, with the same frightened demeanor she had just one hour before. Without thinking she goes closer and blurts out:

‘Be brave!’

The woman gives a small surprised laugh.

‘Thank you! I will!’

‘Good!’

Claire goes out in the sunshine and feels euphoric. Even if she does not get the job, she learnt so much about herself, about people, about kindness and that, nobody can take from her.

Be brave!