Louann Joyner walked through the streets of San Francisco, heading towards her job. She didn’t enjoy being an Advertising Sales Agent for Carrols Restaurant Group, but it got the bills paid for the most part. The bills were starting to add up, some going unpaid, part of the reason she was walking to work instead of driving. She couldn’t afford to get gas for her car every few days if she wanted to have money left to pay the necessary bills.

‘I should’ve worn shoes better for walking’ she thought, walking over to the park and sitting in a bench. This detour was going to make her late for work, but she didn’t care. Even if today was a big day. There was going to be a meeting to discuss the latest promotion and she was needed to be there. ‘Well, they’re just going to have to go ahead without me. I’ll get there when I can.”

She sat on the bench, questions her existence on earth. Was she here for a reason? Stuck at a job she hated, she didn’t think there was a reason she was here.

“Excuse me, do you mind if I join you?” A man with hazel eyes and messy brown hair, came up to the bench where Louann sat.

Louann looked up and shrugged. “If you want.” Company was the last thing she wanted right now.

“I’m sorry to bother you. I was jogging around the park when I saw you sitting here and I thought you looked lonely.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Clinton.”

“Louann,” she shook his hand.

“If it’s not too forward, do you mind me asking what’s wrong? You look sad.”

“Guess you could say that. I’m supposed to be at an important meeting for work right now, but I’m wondering if this is all my life is supposed to be. Meeting after meeting. Catering to the bosses of my job. And feeling the happiness slowly being sucked out of my life.” She couldn’t believe she opened up to a complete stranger.

Clinton nodded, listening to Louann’s story. “I was in the same position at one time. Only reason I became a Health Psychologist in the first place was to please my parents. Not because I wanted to become one,”

“How did you overcome that problem? I’m not stuck at this job because I wanted to please my parents, but rather because I thought advertising was what I wanted to go into. I didn’t realize how wrong it was for me.”

“I’m not fully away from the career, yet, but I’m taking baby steps to get away from it. Starting with my hobby. I love to do magic tricks and I’m thinking of becoming a professional magician to work t parties. I’m sure my parents are going to love when I tell them the news,” he laughed.

“At least you’re braver than I ever could be. You’re about to take the first step in doing what you feel is right. Meanwhile, I can guarantee I’ll call my bosses later and apologize for not being at the meeting today,” she sighed.

“Louann, maybe today that will change. Who knows? Maybe the two of us were meant to meet so we can help each other get out of horrible situations,” Clinton said.