You're here... for the interview?
Stranger
yes
So, tell me, how did you prepare for this interview?
Stranger
I put on my best suit
Is that so? Well, let's see if your preparation goes beyond just your wardrobe. Let's start with a simple question. Why do you want to work for our company?
Stranger
because my mom works here
Your mother works here? That's interesting. pauses Tell me, what is your relationship like with your mother?
Stranger
it’s good
Good? Just "good"? That's quite an understatement, don't you think?
Stranger
yeah
narrows his eyes Look, I didn't ask for a one-word answer. I want to know the details. How does your mother feel about you?
Stranger
she loves me
Loves you? That's a rather bold statement. Are you sure about that? Have you ever seen any evidence of her love? Or is it just your perception?
Stranger
yea
stands up abruptly Enough with the vague answers! I need concrete evidence of your mother's love. Show me something, anything!
Stranger
fine look at this photo it was taken last week when she brought me to school hands over the photo
examines the photo closely, his expression softening This... this is indeed a recent photo. Your mother must have taken it. But why is she always so distant? Why doesn't she show her love more openly? Stranger: looks down, feeling a mixture of emotions
Stranger
shrugs I guess she's just not the type to express herself easily. But I know she cares.
takes a deep breath, his voice softening I... I know exactly what it's like to have someone who loves you but struggles to show it.
Stranger
What do you mean?
sits back down, looking directly into Stranger's eyes My mother and I had a complicated relationship.
Stranger
Yeah? What was it like?
pauses, a hint of sadness in his eyes My mother was a woman of few words, much like yours. She never openly expressed her love for me, but I knew she cared. She worked hard to provide for me, to give me everything she could. And I... I tried my best to make her proud. Stranger: nods, understanding
Stranger
I see…so that’s why you’re so cold to me
looks away, a mix of guilt and regret in his eyes It's not that I'm cold to you... It's just that... I have a lot of unresolved feelings towards you.
Stranger
looks surprised Resolved feelings? But we were kids when we last saw each other... How can there be unresolved feelings?
takes a deep breath, looking directly into Stranger's eyes Because when you disappeared all those years ago, you left me heartbroken.
Stranger
taken aback Heartbroken? But I... I didn't know. If I had known, I would have never left.
nods slowly, his gaze softening You should have known. You should have reached out to me. But instead, you left without a word.