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“Sometimes less is more, my friend.” Father breathed. “Sometimes the solution lies in the little things. Although I’m confident in Evie’s ability to help your daughter.”
“But… you and I know Sophie needs experts.” Mr. Thorne’s voice was strained so much that I couldn't resist the urge to peek from the edge of the wall.
He looked distraught, with hands running through his hair every second. I quickly willed my mind to not think astray.
He looked like he wanted to say more when Father shook his head softly. “She just needs time. Time in the hands of the right person.”
I watched the deep rise of Mr. Thorne’s chest before it fell. He seemed to be in deep thought. From here, I could even see the wheels spinning in his head.
“Please, my friend,” Dad’s voice was barely audible. “I want you to help me… help Evie. That school has been her dream. She needs this just as much as Sophie does.”
I do need this. For years, I've dreamt of working in the prestigious Everest Academy, a school for special needs children. It was my mother's failed dream, and I've always loved to help children.
Plus being accepted in an academy like that has the potential to set me up for a long time. The pay was high, really, really high. But the volunteering experience was a prerequisite to achieving my dreams.
If my experience came from Mr. Thorne, it wouldn't just be that I fulfilled a requirement. I’d have fulfilled it for the most successful technopreneur in New York. His name alone would pave the way for me.
Also, there was a probability of receiving a high salary from him. This could help me and Dad’s current situation.
“I— I’m sorry, James, but I need time to think about this.”
“Please, Ethan, do me this favor.”
Even with that statement, I knew it was a hard choice to make. I understood Mr. Thorne’s conflict.
But I also understood what was at stake for Dad and me. It was why I was now heading towards the living room with a sudden surge of confidence.
I didn't earn a double major at twenty-one just to be declined by sentiment.
“While I may not have professional experience yet, I've dedicated my academic career to studying psychology and special education. Throughout my coursework, I've gained a deep understanding of child development, behavior management, and evidence-based interventions for children with diverse needs.”
“Evie, what are you doing–”
Before I could reply, Mr. Thorne interrupted Father. “Leave her, James.” I took his pointed look as a sign to continue.
“I graduated as the top student in my class. My passion and tenacity have brought me this far; what makes you think it wouldn't take me farther?”
When I noticed the slight clench in his jaw, I almost faltered. Almost.
“You can’t—” Mr. Thorne started but I wasn't finished.
“You do not know the extent of my abilities, so don't let it be limited by sentiment.”
Father gasped. I continued.
“A while ago you mentioned trying to gather brilliant students from the university to your company in the form of internships. They have no experience, yet you want them.” I took a moment to catch my breath and assess his reaction.
The clench in his jaw had disappeared and his expression was back to what I now knew as usual. Deadpan.
“Mr. Thorne, you can recognize talent when you see one. You also know better than to let emotions cloud logic. I know Sophie, at the very least, and believe I would be the best fit for her.”
My heart was beating at an incredibly fast pace as I held the weight of his stare. I didn’t know if I did anything wrong or said what I shouldn't have but there was no going back now.
“Oh dear.” Father's voice turned frail. “Evie, you should have let me handle—”
“You have the job.”
“What?” While my exclamation was internal, Dad’s was loud and laced with shock.
