The stack of rejection emails felt endless. My laptop had become a cruel reminder that the world I wanted to step into wasn't exactly waiting with open arms.
"Another one?" Beth asked, peeking over my shoulder as I scrolled through my inbox. She'd just come back from her fifth interview that week, her grin brighter than ever.
"Yup," I muttered, slumping into the chair. "This one's from that marketing firm I liked. 'We regret to inform you…' Blah blah blah. It's like I'm cursed."
Beth shook her head, laughing softly. "You're not cursed. You just haven't found the right fit yet. And you will. Trust me."
I tried to believe her, but the sting of repeated failure was hard to shake.
At least Beth's luck was turning. Last week, she had landed an offer from her dream law firm, and watching her glow with excitement only reminded me how far I still had to go.
"Here," I said, grabbing a stack of notes I'd scribbled while helping Beth practice interview questions.
"Maybe I can help you prep too. That way, at least I'm doing something productive while I wait for the next rejection."
Beth's eyes lit up. "Amelia, you're the best. Seriously. You've been my personal cheerleader this whole time."
Helping her, though, felt strangely empowering. I might have been struggling, but I had skills, and I was good at boosting confidence—even if I couldn't always do it for myself.
By mid-afternoon, I realized my phone had been buzzing nonstop. Another rejection, this time from an advertising firm. I groaned.
"That's it. I need cash, even if it's temporary."
Beth tilted her head, curious. "What are you thinking?"
"A café job," I said, feeling a mix of relief and resignation. "Something to keep me afloat while I keep applying. At least it's honest work."
Beth grinned, supportive as always. "You'll be amazing at it. You always are."
I didn't feel amazing at the moment, but there was a quiet determination settling in. I wouldn't let these setbacks define me. Not now, not ever.
And maybe, just maybe, taking a small step into the ordinary world—serving coffee, meeting people face-to-face—could open doors I hadn't even considered.