CHAPTER FIFTY- Shadows in the Light of Day
As Laura shared her thoughts, drawing on articles she’d read recently, she felt a warm glow of acceptance. These people – brilliant minds in their fields were listening to her ideas with genuine interest.
The conversations continued to flow, touching on topics ranging from blockchain technology to the ethics of data privacy. With each interaction, Laura’s confidence grew. She wasn’t just surviving in this high–tech environment; she was thriving.
As she made her way through the hall, Laura’s attention was caught by a commotion near the center of the room. A crowd had gathered around what appeared to be a virtual reality demonstration.
Curious, Laura edged closer. She could see several people wearing VR headsets, their hands moving in the air as they interacted with something only they could see. A large screen displayed what the participants were viewing a complex 3D puzzle that seemed to shift and change as they manipulated it
A tall man with a booming voice addressed the crowd. “Who else wants to test their problem–solving skills in our VR challenge? The fastest time wins a Sivarra Tech smartwatch!”
Laura hesitated for a moment, but the excitement of the crowd was infectious. Before she knew it, her hand was in the air. “I’ll give it a
try!”
The host beamed at her. “Excellent! Step right up, miss. What’s your name?”
“Laura,” she replied, suddenly aware of all the eyes on her.
As an assistant helped her put on the VR headset and hand controllers, the host explained the challenge. “You’ll be presented with a 3D puzzle. Your goal is to arrange the pieces to form a specific shape. The catch? The pieces will change color and properties as you manipulate them. You’ll need to think fast and adapt quickly!”
Laura’s heart raced as the virtual world materialized around her. The puzzle hovered in the air before her, a jumble of geometric shapes in various colors. As she reached out to grab the first plece, she felt a surge of adrenaline.
The piece changed from red to blue as she moved it, its weight seeming to shift in her hand. Laura’s mind raced, trying to anticipate how each movement would affect the puzzle.
“Impressive start!” the host’s voice boomed, seeming to come from everywhere at once. “Our challenger is making quick work of the first level!”
Laura barely registered the words, her focus entirely on the shifting puzzle before her. As she completed each level, the complexity increased. Pieces began to multiply or divide as she touched them. Some would vanish if held too long, forcing her to plan several moves ahead.
She lost track of time, caught up in the flow of the challenge. Her analytical mind kicked into high gear, recognizing patterns and predicting changes. It felt like a dance, her hands moving gracefully through the air as she manipulated the virtual objects.
Finally, she placed the last plece, and the completed shape burst into a shower of virtual fireworks. Laura pulled off the headset, blinking as the real world came back into focus. The crowd around her erupted into applause.
The host approached, grinning widely. “Absolutely incredible! Not only did you complete all levels, but you’ve set a new record time! Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for Laura!”
As the applause continued, Laura felt a rush of pride. She’d done more than just participate- she’d excelled.
The host presented her with the promised smartwatch, its sleek design bearing the Sivarra Tech logo. “Congratulations, Laura. That was some impressive problem solving skills you displayed there. ”
Laura accepted the prize, still slightly dazed from the experience. “Thank you. That was… intense.”
As the crowd began to disperse, several people approached Laura to congratulate her. She found herself engaged in animated discussions about the VI technology and the problem–solving techniques she’d used.
One man, his eyes alight with excitement, asked, “Have you considered a career in VI development? We could use minds like yours in The industry.”
Laura laughed, feeling a newfound confidence. “I’m open to new opportunities. Who knows what the future might hold?”
As the event began to wind down, Laura’s eyes scanned the thinning crowd. Her breath caught in her throat as she finally spotted at familiar face Ryan Callis, standing across the room engaged in conversation with a group of people.
Taking a deep breath, Laura began to make her way through the crowd. As she approached, Ryan looked up, his eyes widening in recognition
CHANTLARITY Shadows in the Dight of Day
“Laura?” he exclaimed, breaking away from his group. “Is that really you?”
They embraced warmly, and Laura felt her heart skip a beat at his touch. “Surprise,” she said with a nervous laugh. “I’ve moved to New York”
Ryan’s face lit up. “That’s fantastic! How long have you been here? Are you working in the city?”
Laura explained about her move and her failed job application at Sivarra HQ, Ryan listened attentively, his brow furrowing slightly at the mention of her interview experience.
“I’m so sorry about that,” he said. “If I’d known you were applying, I would have put in a good word. Though,” he added with a grin, after that VR challenge performance, I don’t think you need anyone’s endorsement. That was impressive.”
Laura felt a blush creep up her cheeks. “You saw that?”
Ryan nodded enthusiastically. “I caught the tail end of it. Your problem–solving skills are exactly what we look for at Sivarra.”
He paused for a moment, seeming to consider something. “You know, my main office is actually on Long Island. We’re always looking for sharp minds to join our personal R&D team. Would you be interested in a position there?”
Laura’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you serious? L… yes, of course, I’d be interested!”
Ryan’s smile broadened. “Great! We can set up a proper interview next week, but consider this a formal offer. I have a feeling you’ll fit
right in with our team.”
Laura felt a surge of excitement. This was more than she could have hoped for when she decided to attend the event. She was about to steer the conversation in a more personal direction when she noticed Ryan’s attention shift.
Following his gaze, Laura saw a stunningly beautiful woman approaching. She had long, dark hair and moved with the grace of a model. Ryan’s face lit up even more at the sight of her.
To Laura’s shock, Ryan and the woman shared a passionate kiss as she reached them. Laura felt as if the floor had dropped out from
under her.
Ryan turned back to Laura, his arm now around the woman’s waist. With a broad smile, he said, “Laura, I’d like you to meet Julia Florent. My girlfriend of two months.”
Laura struggled to maintain her composure as she shook Julia’s perfectly manicured hand. “It’s nice to meet you,” she managed to say, her voice sounding distant to her own ears.
“Likewise,” Julia replied with a warm smile. “Ryan’s told me so much about his time in college. You two must have some great stories!
Laura nodded mechanically, her mind reeling. She found herself engaging in small talk, responding to questions about her move to New York and her impressions of the city. But inside, she felt numb.
After what felt like an eternity, Laura glanced at her watch. “Oh, I should get going,” she said, forcing a smile. “I need to catch my train home. It was great seeing you, Ryan, and lovely to meet you, Julia.”
As she turned to leave, Ryan called out, “Don’t forget about that interview next week! I’ll have my assistant contact you with the details.”
Laura nodded, managing a final wave before she began making her way towards the exit, her heart heavy with the weight of shattered hopes.
