The Choice by Alona Yakovenko

People are open books whose stories are waiting to be read.

It’s safe to say that such a reading can touch you the most. Luckily, I had the opportunity to get acquainted with one of those books — and the plot was truly well-written.

It happened on a cloudy, rainy day when, as it seemed, nothing could illuminate another grey stain of the habitual existence. I dropped by the nearest café, hoping I could at least brighten my stomach’s day. The order, which was potatoes, zrazy and dressed herring, brought back memories of New Year. Nostalgia helped improve my mood, but still — something unexplainable was off. Don’t get me wrong — the dishes were brilliant, the café’s interior balanced modern style with a cosy atmosphere — everything was just fine. But not perfect. I felt a strong need to light a candle, to dispel the internal darkness. And then she came — a young woman, probably around thirty. She gave the impression of a successful businesswoman due to her strict but elegant outfit. The stranger wore narrow trousers tied with a small belt under a long, buttoned coat — all painted black. But clothes alone don’t create such a powerful impression — it’s the personality that does. I once heard that a charismatic person could fill a whole room with their presence. Believe me, she did. As the woman came in, her voice immediately made her presence known. Speaking confidently, she told an inspiring story that was the key to filling my personal gap.

For several years, the lady worked for a company she never truly belonged to. Had it continued, she realized more and more that things needed to change. The company wasn’t successful enough, so eventually, she quit — which, according to her, was one of the best decisions she ever made. The woman ended up in a much more successful position — and most importantly, she was happy. This situation proved to me once again that you should never tolerate discomfort if you feel it will lead you nowhere but the lost hopes. Changing her work opened new doors to her — doors that might have forever remained closed.

This was the moment I was left speechless. You may ask: “Why did this story impress you so much?” Well, I won’t give you an answer because I don’t have one. My life hasn’t been long enough to regret lost opportunities or wrong decisions that might have defined my further path. On the other hand, it was a good lesson regarding the problem I may not have experienced yet – the fear of choosing the wrong direction. Maybe it is a fear speaking through me. Maybe that was my way of answering your unspoken question. Maybe not. Who knows? In the end, we’re all chapters in progress, waiting to see how the next page turns.