WHEN I WAS 7 YEARS OLD, I CRIED AND SAID I WAS GOING TO MARRY MY NEIGHBOR. I WENT TO A JOB INTERVIEW 15 YEARS LATER — THE GENERAL MANAGER LOOKED AT ME AND SMILED: ‘THE GENERAL MANAGER… DID YOU APPLY TO BE HIS WIFE?

We both laughed. The tension slowly dissipated.

But there was something I had to ask.

“Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”

His face turned solemn.

“My grandmother suddenly fell ill. Everything happened very quickly. After the funeral, I won a scholarship in Istanbul. I felt like I had to go. I didn’t know how to say goodbye… I thought it would be easier for you if I got lost.”

I swallowed.

“It hasn’t been easier.”

He lowered his head.

“I know. But whenever I hesitated, I would remember something.”

“What?”

“A little daughter who promised me to work hard.”

My eyes filled with tears.

“I kept my promise,” I said.

“I know. I examined your file. Honors. Impeccable references. You worked hard.”

For a moment, I forgot that I had come to the meeting.

“Well… Have I been hired?”

A playful glint appeared in his eyes.

“Connected.”

“What does it depend on?”