Mateo was suddenly ashamed of himself. His clothes were muddy, his shoes dirty, and the thought of sitting in that immaculate vehicle made him curl up in on himself. « Thank you, but I think it’s better for me to walk. »
Cyrus did not reject him. He helped his mother into the car, but before closing the door, the old lady shook Mateo’s hand.
« You stopped when others didn’t. Remember that. »
He watched them drive away, then continued running, even though each step felt heavier than the last.
When he entered the lobby of the office tower, he looked like a man straight out of the storm. The security guard stared at him skeptically before reluctantly letting him pass. Mateo rushed to the reception.
« I’m here for the interview with the analyst. Mateo Rios, » he says in a tense voice.
The receptionist checked her screen. « I’m sorry, but the person in charge has already moved on to the next candidate. You arrived too late. »
He swallowed, the pain of defeat tightening his throat. « I helped someone who collapsed in the street. If only I could explain… »
« I understand, » she interrupted politely, « but the decision is final. »
