oneb read the message again.
YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN REVIEWED. PLEASE REPORT TO THE OFFICE AT EIGHT.
A second message appeared beneath it.
CONGRATULATIONS IN ADVANCE.
He checked the sender's number. It was unfamiliar. There was no name attached, no indication of which office had sent it, and no reference number.
He looked at the clock.
Four twenty-five in the morning.
Whoever had sent the message had either made a mistake or knew something that had not yet been officially announced.
Joneb placed his phone on the bedside table.
The metal seal from Educatia was still in his hand.
He examined its surface. The open-eye symbol appeared to be made of two overlapping circles, with a small line running through the center. Unlike the brass key, the seal was flat and heavy. It had no handle and no obvious purpose.
He placed it beside the key.
Two objects from a world he still could not explain.
Two objects that seemed to be connected to events in his office.
He lay down again, but sleep did not return.
At seven in the morning, he was already preparing for work.
Amira noticed his unusual behavior.
“You're early.”
“I have something to attend to.”
“Another meeting?”
“Possibly.”
She looked at him while arranging Jaycee's school things.
“Is everything all right?”
Joneb considered telling her about the message.
Instead, he said, “I might have some news about the promotion.”
Amira smiled.
“Really?”
“I'm not sure yet.”
“Well, I hope it's good news.”
He smiled back.
“Me too.”
On the way to the office, he checked his phone several times. No further messages arrived.
At exactly eight, he entered the building.
The atmosphere was different.
A few employees were gathered near the personnel section. Others were speaking in low voices. Roderick stood near the supervisor's office, holding a folder.
When Joneb approached, Roderick greeted him.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
“Have you heard?”
“Heard what?”
Roderick smiled.
“They're announcing the result today.” New chapters come out on g.com first.
Joneb stopped.
“Today?”
“That's what I heard.”
“Has the selection process been completed?”
Roderick shrugged.
“Apparently.”
Joneb looked toward the personnel office.
A staff member emerged carrying several documents.
“Joneb,” she called.
He approached.
“Good morning.”
“Please wait for a while. The supervisor wants to see you.”
Joneb nodded.
He glanced at Roderick.
The newcomer was still smiling.
A few minutes later, Joneb entered Mr. Valder's office.
The supervisor was seated behind his desk. A folder lay open in front of him.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning. Sit down.”
Joneb sat.
Mr. Valder folded his hands.
“I understand that you've been waiting for the result of the selection process.”
“Yes, sir.”
“We have reviewed the applications.”
Joneb waited.
“And?”
Mr. Valder smiled.
“You have been recommended for the position.”
For a moment, Joneb did not respond.
“Sir?”
“You heard me. Your application has received favorable consideration.”
Joneb felt a sudden rush of relief.
He thought of Amira.
Of the household budget.
Of the school expenses.
Of the years he had spent performing duties that often went unnoticed.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Don't thank me yet. There are still documents to finalize.”
“What documents, sir?”
Mr. Valder opened the folder.
“Some administrative clearances. A few certifications. Nothing complicated.”
Joneb looked at the papers.
The metal seal in his pocket suddenly became warm. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
He remembered Orven's warning.
The first offer will look like an opportunity.
He leaned forward.
“May I see the documents, sir?”
Mr. Valder hesitated.
“Why?”
“I'd like to review them before signing anything.”
The supervisor's smile disappeared.
“Are you questioning the recommendation?”
“No, sir. I just want to make sure everything is complete.”
Mr. Valder closed the folder.
“Very well. I'll have the personnel office contact you.”
Joneb stood.
“Thank you, sir.”
As he reached the door, Mr. Valder spoke again.
“Joneb.”
He turned.
“Don't let unnecessary caution ruin a good opportunity.”
Joneb nodded.
“I understand, sir.”
Outside the office, he found Roderick waiting.
“Congratulations,” Roderick said.
Joneb looked at him.
“Thank you.”
“You must be happy.”
“I am.”
Roderick smiled.
“You deserve it. You've been here for a long time.”
Joneb returned to his desk.
He was happy.
But the happiness was accompanied by an uneasy feeling.
He opened his phone and examined the congratulatory message again.
Then he noticed something.
The message had been sent at 4:17 a.m.
Seven minutes before he had received the metal seal from Educatia.
He looked at the screen.
The sender's number had disappeared.
Only the message remained.
And beneath it, a new line appeared.
AN OFFER IS NOT AN APPOINTMENT.