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The target

It was night and there was no lighting. The moon was hidden, making the night even darker. I walked slowly down the street, already feeling a strong pain in my legs and feet. The place was totally empty, just as I remembered it. I walk to the edge of that mountain, right where there was no ledge.

I looked down, but the darkness prevented me from seeing what was at the bottom.  The tears streamed down my face with full force and I took a deep breath, preparing myself to take another step.

One step was the only thing that separated me from my long-dreamed peace. I didn't want to hear any more words of comfort and all the false promises that everything would be alright in the end. There is no way this story could end well! It all started in a bad way and it will end the same way.

I felt the cold night wind blow across my face once more, making me dry my tears. Now I was facing my "end" with more courage and slightly satisfied. And just as it used to be in the past, I lost.

[***]

"Young and too beautiful, it's really a shame". She sighs.

"She made her choice". He grumbles without patience.

"Can you two be quiet? I can't watch like this". Kelly complains for the thousandth time, hoping to be able to watch a program comfortably with her parents.

"Where is Laura?" Kelly asks, grimacing as she remembers her sister.

"Late as usual". Mom rolls her eyes.

"She must have hit traffic, she'll be here soon". The father speaks, as always defending his daughters.

"I'm already here". I speak, getting everyone's attention, who look at me a bit surprised.

"How long have you been there?" My mother asks, looking at me intently.

"A little over 10 minutes". I answer and walk to my father.

As always, my father welcomed me with open arms and a smile on his face.

"Are you all right?" He asks, looking at me with concern.

"Yes". answering and forcing a smile.

"Sit down, the best part is about to begin". My mother speaks hurriedly.

She taps the unoccupied spot on the sofa, which was next to her, and I sit down. Soon we all pay attention to the program on TV. That moment was sacred for all the Garcias. Every Sunday, at 9 a.m., we would gather at my parents' house and watch our favorite program. We did that since we were little and I'm not sure when it became a tradition, but it was really something very important for all of us.

I remember the first time I missed our weekly meeting and the way my father looked at me. I observe him, who was concentrating eating some fruit. I traded an important moment with my family, so that I could receive Joy's boss and help him get his promotion. Not only that, but many other things I neglected to do for him.

Yesterday everything seemed to collapse and I realized how dumb I was. I wanted to take everything I was feeling out on someone, but I ended up choosing the wrong target. I was about to jump off that mountain and end the torture that has been these last few days. Then something, which I should call a miracle, began to light up inside me and I began to understand. I had given my all and was faithful to the end. He was the wrong one, not me. I had been hurting the wrong people all this time, but now I had a clear target to accept. And I would destroy him.

"I have a job interview tomorrow". I speak and everyone looks at me a bit dumbfounded.

"But already, dear?" My father asks, looking at me surprised and worried.

"Don't you want to wait a little longer?" My sister, Kelly, asks, also worried.

"I need this, I think it will help me put everything in place". I explain, flashing a smile at them both.

"You're right, there's no time to lose. Life goes by in the blink of an eye, you can't waste time on useless people". My mother speaks seriously, looking at the television.

She was tough, after all, she was an entrepreneur. You can't work in a job that is made for men and not become hard as steel, like my mother. Everything seemed so easy to be solved around her, her strength was the envy of anyone. My father, on the other hand, had a small workshop, but was known throughout the town for his great service and care. He was the sentimental one and my mother was the tough one. I always envied her, always wanted to be like her. Now I want to experience what it's like to be on top.

"I can take you to your interview". My father speaks with a gentle smile.

"I accept". Answering with a smile, I sit down beside him.

I hug him and go back to paying attention to the program, like everything else. I close my eyes and sigh, feeling totally at peace. When did I start to ignore the importance of this?

[***]

I stood in front of that huge building and felt my hands sweating.

"You're wonderful, and if they don't see that, they're not good enough". My father speaks.

I look at him with a smile and he winks at me. I hug him and thank him for the ride.

"Good luck". He wishes and leaves.

I stare at that building again and take a deep breath, finally getting up the courage to go inside. I go to the reception desk, where I am sent to the eighth floor. The building had 15 floors and all were from the same company. Parker Company, one of the biggest in the country. I adjust my blouse again, while I see my floor approaching. As the doors open I catch my breath and walk up to the counter.

"My name is Laura Garcia and I am here for a job interview". I speak to the receptionist who just nods and takes a list.

"You can wait in the waiting room, Mr. Parker will call you soon". He speaks with a smile and I nod.

I go into the waiting room and sit down. There are three other people there, all men. They look at me a bit surprised and I try to ignore them, just greeting politely. I get a glass of water and stand there, watching each one being called.

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