Waiting Room

I arrive for the interview early

The receptionist asks me to sit

as there is another applicant

in the chair across the room

The receptionist hints it will be a while

as the person ahead 

of the person ahead of me

just went in

To pass the time they begin to ask

about my hopes and dreams

my fears and shortcomings

my strengths and weaknesses

my favorite movies and music

my least favorite color

the last time I felt sad 

A bit uneasy internally 

I maintain my poise on the surface

while replying to the receptionist 

who keeps looking at the other applicant

and smiling

They are clutching their resume

staring at the ceiling

silent as a response to a lame excuse

The receptionist asks the other applicant 

if they are ready

they violently shake their head NO

“Well then,

I guess you’re up” gesturing to the only other door with a tilted smile in my direction

I take the opportunity to get the other applicant’s attention and ask

“Are you sure?”

They look down from they ceiling at me

and nod YES. 

“I’m sure.”

They and the receptionist are now both

gesturing to the office door.

I close my eyes as I grab the handle.

I gently turn the knob and close the door behind me.

I feel a slight breeze across my lids

and in bewilderment I open my eyes

to realize I’m outside.

I hear the knob turn behind me.

It is the receptionist and the other applicant

standing shoulder to shoulder.

The one who was silent the entire time 

says “You’re hired.”

The one who asked all of the questions 

asks one more

“When can you start?”

The waiting room was the interview.

Apparently I was exactly who they were hoping to find.

I start tomorrow.