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“I’m so sorry, I had a situation on the way here,” I panted, trying to straighten my tie that no longer felt straight in any universe. She shook her head gently and told me that the hiring manager, a man named Mr. Sterling, was extremely strict about punctuality—almost famously so. He had already moved on to the next candidate, and his schedule for the rest of the day was completely booked with no exceptions. I sat down on one of the plush lobby chairs, feeling like I had just watched my entire future close a door in my face. I had given away my last bit of money and ruined my career prospects all in the span of one hour that felt far too short and far too cruel.
