Why would I go away. If this is really the last time I will see him why can't I just stay?
Go
There it is again. I almost forgot. What is that voice I keep hearing?
"Sam? Are you okay? You look confused. Is everything fine? You don't have to go to the interview if you don't want to. We will find a way"
Sam really wanted to stay but inside of him something was screaming for him not to. It wasn't just the voice he heard it was something else something he couldn't describe.
"Sorry dad. Yeah I am okay now. I have to leave now if I still want to get there on time. We'll see each other later, you promised so don't forget it"
Sam turned around. Facing the door he wiped away his last tears and went outside.
It was a beautiful day the sun shone bright on the street. Sam and his dad lived in a small village about an hour away by bus from the next big city. It was still quite early in the day which is why most people weren't outside yet but either in school or at work.
While going down to the bus stop Sam was greeted by some older folks of the village.
Sam arrived at the bus stop and waited. He just waited like always the bus will come as it did thousands of times before yet Sam felt it. Something did not add up. If this is just a memory why did I talk to my dad like this and there is that voice.
There is something I am missing.
Could it be?
Did that voice or whatever it does belong to change something? Or am I changing something?
What if-
Right then the bus came to a screeching hold in front of Sam and the door opened.
As he went in he heard from the back of the bus:
"Hey Sam! Your old man told me it's your big day today. We're all believing in you so better not disappoint us!"
Ahh Tomen my old high school friend if I remember correctly he'll get a job on the other side of the country. I never heard of him after that.
"Hey Tomen! Yeah of course he did. I am just on my way there. Where are you heading?"
"Wishing you luck man. It is tough out there. I am on my way to my third job interview this week, maybe I should try looking for other options"
Wait let me try something. If I really can change the past then I have to know.
"How about you apply for cybertech as well?
I know you. You are a good programmer one of the best ones I know you could at least give it a try."
"Cybertech? Yeah you are right maybe I should. I tell you what I am coming with you and looking into it there"
And thus they both drove to the city. They talked the whole way there and after getting off the bus they started walking to cybertech when suddenly-
"Hey Tomen what's up? Why did you stop?"
Sam looked back where Tomen was but as he saw him his heart dropped. Tomen looked terrified.
"Tomen what happened?"
No answer so Sam started walking towards him. Just as Sam was about to reach out to him, he screamed.
"No stay away from me!"
Tomen was saying that like he was talking to a disgusting monster. But he still wasn't looking at Sam.
"What's going on? What happened?"
Tomen started to slowly walk back then he looked at Sam. His eyes were full of tears as he looked at him.
"I ... I have to go now."
With that, Tomen turned around and started walking away. Not fast but deliberate. Sam just stood there.
What was that? That for sure did not happen back then. So something really is changing. Did I really somehow go back in time?
Sam started walking towards the derection Tomen went when-
No. Don't follow him. Go forward.
For a moment, the warning didn't feel like an order — it felt like regret.
There it was again that voice. I need to find out what happened but first I have to get through the interview. Cybertech is one of the biggest companies to date. I know most of what happened with that company. I did work with them for years. Maybe I find something helpful there.
Sam continued his way to the main office building of cybertech. It was right at the middle of the city. Only a short 12 minute walk from the nearest bus station.
So there he was standing in front of the building interviewing for the job that should have changed his life.
But did it? He achieved nothing there they didn't help anyone in the end.
Go in.
The voice again. What should I do. Should I just listen to it? No! Why should I? Why should I do the same thing applying for the same job when I got this second chance?
To save me, to save everyone.
There it is again- saving, helping. I can't- I can't help anyone if it wasn't for that voice I would have just died in that alley. So how could someone like me help anyone?
But I guess the voice needs me to go here. It saved me gave me a second lease on life. If I can help it, if it is just a little I would be glad to pay it back the debt I owe.
And just like that, even more determined that before Sam enters the building. As soon as he did this the all to familiar fresh cold AC air blasted in his face. The entrance hall was gigantic. It was nearly the whole footprint of the building while having an over 8 meters (26 feet) high ceiling. But for Sam it was already normal he went straight to the reception.
"Hey Chris, I am here for my interview for the role of junior programmer."
"Hello, I am sorry but do I know you?"
That's right how could I have known his name I should be here for the first time. Chris dose not know me.
"Oh yeah no sorry, I just saw your name tag. My name is Sam. I have an interview at eleven o'clock"
"Phew good I thought I forgot someone, I go tell the that you are here, for starters you can sit down in the lobby and I'll call you as soon as everything is ready. Sam was it, right?"
"Yeah Sam is right. Thank you"
Just as Sam was about to go to a seat he heard Chris calling out to him.
"Sam! They are already finished and can start the interview anytime."
Already? Last time I waited for half an hour here. But I guess I did lose some time here and there.
"Okay I am coming"
"You just have to go to the elevator in the back. Your interview is on the sixth floor just straight ahead after leaving the elevator. Do you want me to show the way?" Chris asked.
"No I'll be fine but thanks"
"Okay, and hey- good luck Sam!"
The interview went just as expected nothing really changed there except that Sam could- because of his experience - give even better answers than last time. He felt good. Michael his chef told him that they would discuss and that he should just wait in the lobby.
But as soon as Sam exited the elevator at the lobby Chris stood there.
"Wow what did you do up there"
What does he mean did I say something wrong but I had a good feeling
Sam just looked at Chris his eyes begging him to continue and tell him what he meant.
"Just now I got a call from up there and they already finished talking about you. I have never seen them so fast with making their decision"
"What do you mean? Just tell me"
"Oh yeah sorry. You've got the job! It was a unanimous vote you can start here next Monday at 8 a.m.."
Chris looked at Sam but instead of joy he just saw confusion written all over Sam's face.
"Sam? Is everything okay?"
But Sam didn't really hear him he was too concentrated on something else. Because right as Chris told him he got the job a panel appeared in front of him. On it were just the words:
Programmer System
Progress: loading ...
*Ding*
Last condition confirmed.
Beginning connecting with host...