The dog refused to cross the threshold, no matter how hard she pulled on the leash. “Seriously?” Jenna whispered. She was already late for her job interview. The office allowed dogs, according to the website. “Pet-friendly culture,” it had proudly stated. Apparently not friendly enough for Cooper. He sat stubbornly on the welcome mat while people stepped around them. Jenna felt her face get hot. “This is embarrassing,” she muttered. A woman from inside held the door open. “You can bring him in,” she said kindly. Jenna picked Cooper up instead of arguing with him anymore. He was heavier than she remembered. The interview room was bright and quiet. Too quiet. She tried to focus on the questions, but she could feel Cooper tense in her lap. “So, where do you see yourself in five years?” the interviewer asked. Jenna gave the answer she always gave. Growth. Leadership. Commitment. But she didn’t know if she believed it. She just needed the job. When the interview ended, the woman shook her hand and smiled politely. “We’ll be in touch.” Outside, Cooper seemed immediately calmer. Jenna sat in her car for a minute before starting the engine. She told herself she did her best. That if it didn’t work out, something else would. But deep down she knew she hadn’t really said what she wanted. Only later did she realize that nothing had actually been resolved.