The young woman arrived late for her interview because she had helped an old man — but when she finally entered the office, she nearly fainted at what she saw.

Anna rushed to the interview. It wasn’t just any job: it was her dream position, a chance to change her life and break free from the cycle of endless small jobs.

She was nearly at the intersection when she heard a scream and blaring horns. Across the street, an old man staggered, clutched his chest, and slowly collapsed on the asphalt. Drivers honked, some shouted from their windows, and pedestrians looked away as if pretending not to see would make the problem vanish.

Anna froze. In her head, a voice screamed: “You’re going to be late! Walk away!” But she crossed the street, ran to the man, and knelt beside him.

“Are you feeling okay?” she asked with a trembling voice, placing her hand on his shoulder.

The man was struggling to breathe, his eyelids half-closed. He weakly pointed to his pocket:
“The pills… in my wallet…”

Anna held her breath and, with shaking hands, searched through his worn leather satchel. At last, she found a small bottle. She took out a pill, gently placed it in his mouth, and helped him swallow.

“Breathe… calm down… it’s going to be alright,” she whispered, fighting back tears and fear.

Minutes passed. Slowly, his breathing eased and color returned to his face. He opened his eyes and looked at Anna with deep gratitude.

“You saved my life…” he whispered. “How can I ever thank you?”

Anna gave him a soft smile, then suddenly gasped:
“Oh no… I’m late…”

She stammered a few apologies and ran to the subway, her heart heavy with anxiety. It was over. Her chance was gone. There would be no second opportunity.

Still, she went to the office, just to reassure herself she had done everything she could. But when she finally arrived, she nearly fainted at what awaited her…

When Anna approached the reception desk, the secretary gave her a warm smile and said:
“Sorry, management is running a bit late. You can take a seat.”

Anna let out a small sigh of relief. She sat down, clutching her folder tightly, and slowly felt the tension begin to fade.

Half an hour later, the door opened. The same elderly man entered: clean-shaven, dressed in a sharp suit, walking confidently with a cane. Anna froze.

“Good afternoon,” he greeted the room. “I’m the owner of this company. Please forgive the delay — something… extremely important happened earlier.”

Then he turned to Anna, smiled, and nodded:
“This is the woman who stepped up when everyone else turned away. She represents responsibility, courage, and humanity. Anna, we would love for you to join us as soon as possible. You’ve already proven you’re the right person for the job.”

Anna couldn’t believe her ears. Tears welled up in her eyes. She had saved a man — and, in the process, saved herself too.