Fractured Hearts

my nostrils. I bolted upright, nearly cracking my head on the sloping ceiling, its wooden beams creaking in protest. Disoriented, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, shaking off the vivid dream.

through my chest. Where would I get a car and a girlfriend th

roke, and still clutching my V-card – it's a humiliating truth that makes my face burn. Life's been a rolle

ing to be written. Determined to turn my life around, I'd crafted a

" I froze, my mind racing like a runaway train. Why was she reminding me of the time? Then, it h

ng air slapped me awake as I dashed to the bus, its diesel engine roaring to life. Coffee-fueled studying through the night hadn't prepared me for this

te, except for the nagging fear: can't be late again. The all-night coffee binge had left me jittery and awake, but not prepared fo

ns? The bus screeched to a halt in front of the sleek, glass-walled company building, its modern architecture gleaming in the morning sun. I stepped off, taki

g problem – I'd always been socially awkward, freezing up like a deer in headlights. T

boldness, eye contact. Don't show weakness; the enemy feeds on it. This was

One, with a sharp jawline and slicked-back black hair, appeared to be in his late forties. His tailored suit accentuated his athletic build, and a g

softening the tension. Her silver hair was styled in loose waves, framing her heart-shaped face and bright bl

the Eclipse Industries logo emblazoned on the wall in bold, silve

scribbled notes, their faces impassive. I knew I'd lost this battle before it began. My fidgeting w

burned with embarrassment, and my ears still rang from the stuttered responses that had tumbled out of

d sent a shiver down my spine, and I swiveled my head, my eyes meeting the warm gaze of Stacy Lin. Her g

, her voice melodious and soothing,

managed a soft "Yes, Ma'am," my voice b

ossed lettering exuding professionalism. I read the words, "Sta

iqueness in you, Nate. Decades of interviewing candidates have honed my instincts, and I think

g within me like a lit match. My shoulders rela

haste. "I'll reach out to you before the end of the day!"

onder and excitement swirled within me, transforming the disastrous interview into an unforeseen opportunity. Th