Some days

I was running late for the interview. The traffic this morning was crazy. It was as though all the drivers were out to get me.

The Interview was to hold in the City Center and I lived in the outskirts of town. I applied for the position of Public Relations Officer of the Organization. I left my home bright and early and ventured into the road.

I needed that job. My wife just put to bed, twins. We were not expecting twins at all, the scan showed only one foetus. We had four children to cater for and my wife was not working. I lost my job two weeks earlier, I have not even told her.

As I drove desperately trying to beat the unbelievable traffic of Maraba, Nyanya road, it was as though all the fates were against me. There were a number of accidents and broken down vehicles on the road. It was a total lock down as it always is when it rains.

Thankfully, my car behaved really well. I got to town with a few minutes to spare then out of the blues I heard a bang. I parked in the middle of the road, (the traffic in the City is much less than it is in the outskirts) and flew out of the car. It was a slight brush and I had no idea who it was that was at fault but I decided not to go gown without a fight. I screamed on top of my lungs and raved. I poured out all my anger and frustration and a few curses. I was that pissed off.

The passengers of the other car were trying to play hardball at first but they calmed down and begged for mercy at the sight of my terrible anger. I mellowed down, and warned them. We both left the scene after a little traffic build up was caused.

The rest of the journey was not uneventful. A taxi driver ran into the road and almost caused me to veer off the overhead bridge. He didn’t even stop. He paused to swear at me and curse the living daylights out of me.

I got to the interview venue a good ten minutes late but to my greatest joy, the interview had not started. I took some minutes to calm my blood pressure and compose myself. I took a number and waited.

I talked with some of the candidates. I was by far the choice candidate. I was suave and had the requisite experience. I was confident. The self-confidence helped calm my raging nerves.

I was called in and put on my best face. I walked in, confident. Till I saw the panelists.

Two of the four people were the people on whom I brought down the skies. The passengers of the car that brushed me or I brushed.

I sat down on the small chair they put there for the interviewees. The weight on my head was akin to the entire world on my shoulders.

The lady smiled sweetly at me and said.

“Good morning, tell us a little about yourself and why you feel you are the best candidate for this job.”

All traces of moisture disappeared from my mouth. I opened my mouth but no words came out. I heard a voice I recognized sound across the room. It was my voice.

            “I have had a very bad day today.”

I think that is all I said during the interview, I cannot remember. I  do not expect any call from them, I know it is blown…

Credits:  Ojonugwa Sapphire Abu

Photo:     desertusa.com