Chapter 1: The First Ascent

The crisp morning air did little to settle the butterflies in my stomach. Today was the day. The interview for Sterling Innovations.

I smoothed down the skirt of my only good suit, a hand-me-down from my aunt that was a touch too big in the shoulders but nothing a carefully placed pin couldn't fix. This wasn't just a job; it was the job. My ticket to a better life for us.

The lobby of Sterling Innovations was a symphony of polished chrome and hushed efficiency. Everything gleamed, from the minimalist art on the walls to the perfectly coiffed receptionist who gave me a cool, appraising look. I announced myself, and a few minutes later, a woman emerged from a frosted glass office.

Ms. Albright. Her name alone sounded like a decree. She was impeccably dressed in a charcoal power suit, her dark hair pulled back into a severe bun, and her expression was as unyielding as a granite slab. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, swept over me, taking in every detail. My heart hammered against my ribs.

The interview was less a conversation and more an interrogation. She dissected my resume with surgical precision, each question a finely honed blade. My grades, my meager internship experience, my aspirations – nothing escaped her scrutiny. I tried to project an air of confidence, to answer each query with the poise I'd practiced endlessly in front of my bedroom mirror.

"Why Sterling Innovations, Ms. Alonzo?" she asked, her voice devoid of inflection.

"Because Sterling Innovations is a leader in its field," I began, my voice a little steadier than I felt. "And I believe my drive and dedication align perfectly with the company's ethos. I'm a quick learner, eager to contribute, and I'm not afraid of hard work."

She leaned back, her gaze unwavering. "Hard work is a given, Ms. Alonzo. We expect excellence. What makes you stand out from the dozens of other ambitious fresh graduates who walk through these doors every day?"

I took a deep breath. This was it. The moment to prove I wasn’t just another resume. "I bring more than just academic qualifications. I bring resilience. I've learned to adapt, to problem-solve under pressure, and to fight for what I believe in. My circumstances have taught me to be resourceful and to never give up. I am not just looking for a job, Ms. Albright; I'm looking for an opportunity to make a tangible difference."

A flicker, just a bare whisper of something akin to acknowledgment, crossed her face before it was gone. She asked a few more technical questions, testing my knowledge of industry software and basic market analysis. I answered them to the best of my ability, thankful for the late nights I’d spent poring over textbooks.

Finally, she closed my folder with a soft thud. "We'll be in touch, Ms. Alonzo."

My stomach plummeted. The generic dismissal. I offered a polite thank you, forcing a smile, and rose to leave. Just as I reached the door, her voice stopped me.

"Ms. Alonzo," she said. I turned. "You're hired. Report to the HR department tomorrow morning at 8 AM for onboarding. You'll be assisting in the new product development division."

A wave of pure, unadulterated relief washed over me, so potent it almost buckled my knees. "Thank you, Ms. Albright! Thank you so much!"

She gave a curt nod and then, to my surprise, a faint, almost imperceptible curve of her lips that might have been a smile. "Welcome to Sterling Innovations."

The walk home felt like floating. The city lights seemed to twinkle brighter, the usual hustle and bustle of Manila felt like a joyful symphony. I practically burst through the door of our small apartment, my heart overflowing.

"Mama! Kyla! I got the job!" I practically shouted, shedding my sensible heels at the door.

My mother, propped up in her specialized armchair in the living room, her face still bearing the lingering effects of the stroke, looked up, her eyes wide with surprise and then, slowly, a joyous tear tracked down her wrinkled cheek. She couldn't speak much anymore, but her gaze was more eloquent than any words.

Kyla, my twelve-year-old sister, was instantly there, abandoning her homework at the small dining table. "Really?! Oh my god, Ate! That's amazing!" She threw her arms around me, squeezing tight. Kyla, with her bright, inquisitive eyes and quick wit, was my constant motivation, my little shadow.

Ever since Mama's stroke two years ago, I'd taken on the role of primary caregiver and provider. Every extra shift, every sacrifice, every late night studying had been for them.

I knelt beside Mama, taking her frail hand in mine. "I got it, Ma. I told you I would. We're going to be okay. I'm going to work so hard, and we'll get you the best physical therapy, and Kyla, you can go to that science camp you wanted."

Mama squeezed my hand, her eyes glistening. Kyla, ever practical, pulled back, a thoughtful frown on her face. "So, what exactly will you be doing, Ate? Is it super fancy? Will you meet the big boss?"

I chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I'll be assisting in new product development. And as for the 'big boss,' I doubt it. He's probably holed up in some executive suite, too busy to notice a fresh graduate like me."

We spent the evening celebrating in our own way. Kyla made instant noodles – our celebratory feast – and we watched an old movie on the tiny TV, our usual routine transformed by the sheer weight of good news.

As I lay in bed later, listening to Kyla's soft breathing from the makeshift bed beside mine, a sense of quiet determination settled over me. This was just the beginning. I was ready to prove myself, to climb the corporate ladder, and to finally provide the life my family deserved.

Sterling Innovations, I was coming for you.

***

To be continued...

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