Mia adjusted her navy-blue blazer nervously as she stepped into the bustling Riverstone Mall.
She'd heard that the mall's anchor store, Granville's Department Emporium, was hiring for part-time staff. The pay wasn't stellar, but it was enough to cover some bills and keep her afloat.
She approached the customer service desk, her resume neatly tucked into a folder. A stern-looking woman with sharp glasses directed her to a seating area where other applicants waited. Mia glanced around, noting the nervous fidgeting of her competition, a stark reminder that this wasn't going to be easy.
As she sat down, the room's muted chatter faded into the background. Across the space, a large TV mounted on the wall displayed a morning talk show. Mia's eyes drifted to the screen, where a bold headline read: "The Welles Family: An Exclusive Interview."
