Sam (they/them) looked up from their desk covered in newspapers to see that it was almost five. Job hunting online was either overwhelming, if you didn’t limit the search criteria, or underwhelming if you actually searched for what you wanted. Nothing that fit ever seemed to come up. 

The newspaper had seemed like it could be something between the two: some local options that weren’t too specific or overwhelming. Yet Sam didn’t really feel like climbing on roofs, substitute teaching, or becoming a real estate agent. 

Letting out a sigh of defeat, they laid their head on the bed of newspapers. It was like being crushed by a giant gray weight. Spot the cat heard the call and cautiously jumped onto the mess, tip-toeing over to console them. 

Sam heard their phone buzz and peeked at the clock that now read 5:00. 

“Why’s she always so punctual???” They groaned, exasperated. Spot didn’t know. Sam closed their eyes and grumbled for a few more rings before picking up. 

“Hhhhhi….” They sighed into the phone.

“Well then!” Maria optimistically greeted them, “How’d it go?” 

“…I’ll go to fucking Haze….” Sam resigned.

Maria let out a satisfied cackle.

“I told you you wouldn’t find anything in the damn newspaper!! It’s 2023, who puts jobs in newspapers?!” 

“Heyy, hey! there were jobs!! I just don't want to work in a school” Sam huffed.

“Ha. That would be a sight to see” Maria retorted, amused by the image of a snarky and introverted Sam surrounded by kids.

“What if I go to Haze tomorrow?” Sam reasoned.  “It’s already five and…“

“NOPE.” Maria cut them off before they could come up with a real excuse. 

“A deal’s a deal Sums. You didn’t find anything else by five so you have to go. Plus it might not actually be that bad! Maybe some cute queers will sweep you off your feet.” 

Sam scoffed, “who would ever want to be swept off their feet? This isn’t funny, Maria! This is a nightmare.”

“Ok ok, I’m sorry. I know this is really hard for you and that you hate crowds but I am serious about it being better than you're making it out to be. I mean how many other places will you get to work with other queer people? I’m just saying to give it a chance before you decide it’s terrible. Like, it's walking distance to your apartment.“

Sam groaned. They knew she was right but were not happy about it. 

“A deal’s a deal anyway. Let me go get ready.” They relented.

Before they could hang up they heard her yell “Don’t you dare wear your dingy sweatshirt! You have to be ready for an interview on the spot, wear some black pants and a button up or that dark green sweater.” 

“…I wasn’t going to! I’m hanging up now Mom…” Sam spit out, flustered. They put their worn out sweatshirt back down and walked to their closet.

“Bye Sweetie Pumpkin Pieeeee, goodluck!” Maria cooed before hanging up. A laugh bubbled out of Sam and they pondered their button ups.