Chapter 1 — A New Beginning

Standing in front of the imposing Rurik Motors building, Susan tried to ignore the wave of anxiety that was overtaking her. She took a deep breath and adjusted her glasses on her face before entering the building.

The mirrored facade reflected the gray sky, giving an even more austere appearance to the company that dominated the country’s automotive market. Her footsteps echoed on the polished marble as she headed to the reception desk.

“Good morning, I have an interview with the advertising department,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

The receptionist, a blonde woman with short hair, checked the name on the list and nodded.

“Fifth floor, Miss Grigorieva. Human Resources office.”

Susan thanked her and walked toward the elevator, observing the sophisticated environment around her. Every detail demonstrated the power of Rurik Motors, from the impeccable uniforms of the employees to the shine of the cars displayed in the lobby.

As she walked, Susan clutched her coat tighter against her body, but it wasn’t the cold that bothered her. Her stomach was in knots with nervousness.

“Okay, Susan, breathe. It’s just an interview. You’ve done this before.”

But no, it wasn’t just an interview. It was a chance to change her life. To start over. Now that her mother was finally at peace, Susan could, at last, think about herself. It was painful to admit, but for the first time in a long time, she had room to breathe.

“Three years… Three years balancing between work and hospitals. Between keeping hope alive and watching the person I loved most waste away before my eyes.”

The tightness in her chest returned. She swallowed hard and lifted her chin, refusing to give in to that weight.

“I did everything I could. Every second by her side was worth it. But what about after? What’s left of me?”

She knew the answer. The emptiness had been suffocating. No more hospital visits, no more double shifts to pay for medication, no more sleepless nights pretending everything would be okay. Now, she needed to find meaning.

“And that horrible job? I only endured it because I had to. But I couldn’t take it anymore. After I paid off the hospital bills, leaving that company was the best thing I did.”

But now… now she needed something stable. A new beginning. And this interview could be her chance.

On the fifth floor, she was greeted by a tall, elegant woman with black hair pulled into a severe bun.

“Susan Grigorieva?” The interviewer’s voice was professional, without any trace of emotion.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“I’m Elena Vasilievna, HR manager. Shall we?”

Susan followed Elena into a spacious, well-lit room and sat down in front of the polished desk. The woman opened a folder, analyzed her résumé for a few seconds before raising her eyes to her.

“I see your previous experience was at a smaller company. Why do you want to work at Rurik Motors?”

Susan straightened her posture, keeping her tone confident.

“I’ve always admired Rurik Motors’ work in the advertising sector. The way the brand positions itself is strong, strategic, and impactful. I want to be part of that and contribute with my ideas. And honestly, I’m looking for a stable job. For the first time in years, I can think about myself and my career. I want to build something solid here.”

Elena nodded slightly, keeping her expression neutral.

“Tell us a little about your previous experiences. What kind of campaigns have you developed?”

“At my previous company, I worked on digital engagement campaigns and visual identity strengthening. I actively participated in creating strategies for social media, branding, and new product launches. I also collaborated on metric analysis and content direction for different target audiences.”

“Have you ever led any team or project?”

“Not as a direct leader, but I was responsible for coordinating some campaigns and assisting in task division within the marketing department. I worked closely with designers, copywriters, and data analysts to ensure projects were delivered on time and with quality.”

Elena observed her for a moment before continuing.

“Interesting. And how do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure environments?”

“I’m organized and work well under pressure. I know an environment like this demands speed and efficiency, and I’m ready for the challenge. I set priorities and manage my time strategically to ensure every demand receives the necessary attention.”

“And if a client or superior requests last-minute changes to a campaign that is almost finished? How would you handle that?”

“I would review the requested changes and assess their feasibility within the available timeframe. If they were small changes that could be implemented without compromising quality, I would make the adjustments quickly. If they were more significant changes, I would talk to the team and propose solutions to optimize the process without compromising the final result.”

Elena maintained her impeccable posture, but Susan noticed a spark of approval in her eyes.

“Do you prefer to work alone or in a team?”

“I like working in a team because I believe that exchanging ideas and different skills can elevate the quality of any project. But I also know how to be independent and take initiative when necessary.”

“If a colleague was overwhelmed, would you offer to help, even if it meant increasing your own workload?”

“Yes, as long as I could balance my own responsibilities without compromising work efficiency. I believe a collaborative environment strengthens the team and improves results.”

Elena closed the folder and leaned slightly forward.

“Alright. One last question: what do you expect to find at Rurik Motors besides a job opportunity?”

Susan took a deep breath before answering.

“Besides professional growth, I’m looking for an environment where I can learn from the best and develop my skills to the fullest. I want to contribute to the company and, at the same time, build a solid career.”

The HR manager evaluated her for a few seconds before giving a small nod.

“Understood. We will evaluate your profile and contact you soon.”

The interview was quick and direct, but intense. Susan left the room feeling a mix of nervousness and hope.

Did I get it? Or not?

As soon as she left the building, the cold felt even more intense, but she didn’t care. She needed to share this experience with her friends.

***

The small apartment that Susan shared with Jennifer and Carla was simple, but there was a warmth there that couldn’t be found in luxurious homes. The walls, in soft tones, were decorated with minimalist paintings and photographs that captured laughter, hugs, and late nights filled with coffee and heartfelt talks.

She had met Jenn and Carla during a technical course for advertising assistants years ago. They were studying nursing at the same institution, and chance—or destiny—brought them together during a break over bad coffee and casual conversation that eventually turned into sisterhood.

Jenn was the creative storm. Blonde, sharp-tongued, with caramel-colored eyes that seemed to shine even brighter when she was plotting some mischief. Her humor was as cutting as it was affectionate—a force of nature in the form of a woman.

Carla was the perfect counterpoint. Quiet, observant, with her dark hair always tied in a tight braid and eyes behind her glasses that captured everything. Her speech was measured, but every word carried the weight of someone who sees the world with ruthless rationality.

Susan? She was the center of balance between the two. She carried sensitivity in her gaze and a keen aesthetic sense, even when everything around her seemed to be falling apart. They complemented each other, like the three points of a triangle that withstood the instabilities of adult life.

When Susan entered the apartment, she was greeted by the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee—strong, the way Jenn liked it—and the sharp sound of her friend grumbling in the kitchen.

“That new shift nurse is hell incarnate,” Jenn huffed, slamming her mug down on the table theatrically. “She had the audacity to make me redo the report three times. Three, Susan!”

Susan let out a little laugh, even with the accumulated fatigue. It felt good to be there. With them. In the place where everything still made some sense.

Carla, as always, didn’t even look up from the magazine she was flipping through on the sofa.

“Did you review it properly before handing it in?” she questioned, with that calm and precise tone that always left Jenn on the verge of collapse.

Jenn widened her eyes, indignant.

“I’m a professional, Carla.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” Carla retorted, and this time Susan laughed for real.

“How did it go?” Carla changed the subject, looking at Susan with genuine attention.

She hesitated for a second before answering. She took off her coat and hung it calmly, as if delaying the answer would help her understand what she had really felt in that interview.

“I don’t know. It was… strange. Quick. The HR manager was like a wall. She didn’t let anything slip.”

“That’s good,” Jenn said, grabbing a cookie from the tin on the counter. “It means you’re still in the running.”

“I hope so. I… really need this job.”

Carla stood up and placed one hand on her shoulder. The touch was firm and warm.

“You’re going to get it, Su. I can feel it.”

Susan smiled, grateful. She wanted to believe it, even though she felt apprehensive about the place and its owners.

But at that moment, between the coffee, the knowing glances, and the muffled noise of the city outside… she allowed herself to breathe. Just a little. Enough to forget, for an instant, the weight of the uncertainties.