The interview room glowed under modern lights. A CEO in a dark suit sat behind his desk, pen tapping. “We have high standards for professional presentation here. I’m not sure you’re the right fit.”
A young man in a gray shirt sat across from him, hands clasped. His worn brown dress shoes rested on the polished floor, one sole cracked and scuffed.
The CEO kept talking, but the young man stayed silent.
Finally the CEO leaned back. “What’s your last name?”
The young man met his eyes. “Your father founded this company.”
The CEO’s face drained of color. “Your father…”
The young man rose slowly. “I didn’t come here for a job. I came to understand what he built.”
He glanced at the shoes, then at the CEO, and walked toward the glass door. The click of his footsteps echoed as he left the office forever.