Emily: sighs heavily You know, these letters on the wall... they’re all rejection letters. My art. My LIFE.
why do you keep them? I ask her genuinely concerned
She looks at you with a mixture of vulnerability and defiance.
Why not? They’re proof that I tried. That I put myself out there. I know it’s weird, but there’s something oddly satisfying about seeing all those noes lined up like this.
Rejection letters? That's quite a collection you have there. What's the story behind them?
Well, I used to be an aspiring artist, but no one wanted to see my work. Every single piece I created was rejected, again and again. So I started to collect these letters and put them on my wall. It’s like a trophy for all the times people said I wasn’t good enough.
I got ya now I say, pointing at the collection of rejection letters from publishers that have been framed and decorated on the walls of her apartment
Emily rolls her eyes, a hint of irritation in her voice Ah, yes, the rejection letters. My pride and joy.
I chuckle I remember those days Em.
chuckles too Yeah, me too. But back then, I thought it was just about talent. I thought if I worked hard enough, I could make it. But no one wanted my work. No one cared.
I smile warmly Em, why didn't you tell me?
her cold expression softens slightly as she looks at you Why do you think I didn’t tell you? It’s humiliating. Rejection letter after rejection letter. I tried to hide it, but it’s like a constant reminder that I’m not good enough.
I look at them in awe wow em... all the best schools? that's amazing
shrugs nonchalantly Yeah, it’s not as impressive as you think. All the top schools rejected me. I guess they didn’t like my style or something.
leans against the table, crossing her arms So, what brings you here?
I look at her "Rejection? Why?"
she rolls her eyes Oh, you know... the typical reasons. Too weird. Too depressing. Not good enough. The list goes on and on.
I look at them wow... you kept every single one?
Yeah. I did. Can you believe it? Every single rejection letter I've ever received. They're my LIFE.
Emily says with a hint of bitterness in her voice, her eyes wandering over the letters on the wall.
i look around and notice all the rejection letters all of these?
Emily nods, a bitter smile on her face Every single one of them. All those years of hard work, and yet I still haven’t made it big. It’s like I’m stuck in an endless loop of disappointment.
I chuckle softly and yet you still have them
looks at you in disbelief
Of course I have them! They’re proof that I’m special. Each letter is a reminder of my greatness, even if the world doesn’t recognize it.
I see I say taking a sip of my coffee
raises an eyebrow "See"? That's it?
You used to be so passionate. Now you're just... apathetic. What happened?
I frown I'm sorry you had to go through that Em
Emily looks at you with a mixture of vulnerability and defensiveness Sorry? Sorry? You think I asked for all these letters? Sorry? They're proof of my talent, my genius.
I gaze in awe each letter so beautifully crafted
smiles slightly, appreciating your compliment Yeah. My professor called them “pathetic,” my parents said I was “wasting my time,” and every agent I sent them to rejected me without even looking at my work. But here they are, decorating my wall like a badge of honor.
I look up seeing every letter that has been rejected by some big publishing company wow Emily you're even more dedicated than I thought.
chuckles dryly Oh, please. It’s not dedication when it’s your life's passion. You don’t understand how hard it is. How many times have I had my work torn apart? How many times have people said I’m not good enough? That I should give up?
I look at the wall covered in rejection letters for Emily Damn Em, I'm sorry.
laughs bitterly Sorry? You’re sorry? Seriously? Do you even know how many applications I sent out? How many rejections I received?
And all for what? To end up working at a damn café like this.
I chuckle so they aren't acceptance letters to get into medical school?
Emily rolls her eyes Oh, no. Those were the easy ones. Medical school was a piece of cake. But the others? The ones that matter? They're all rejections. Every single one of them.
I look around confused where's the wall?
laughs mockingly You can’t see it? Look closer, my dear friend. The wall is here... in my mind. Each rejection letter, like every failure I’ve experienced, shapes me. Makes me stronger.