Her name was Rose, a 22-year-old young woman who had just graduated from one of the most respected universities in the United States. She had finished only two months ago, studying on a scholarship she had earned through pure determination. People often said she looked too young to have graduated, but Rose always replied with confidence, “It’s not about size, it’s about the content.”

Now that her studies were behind her, Rose found herself facing a new challenge—finding a job. She wasn’t desperate for money; her needs were simple. What she truly wanted was a new life. She longed to wake up early, dress for work, and experience the rhythm of everyday life like everyone else. She wanted to see new faces, learn new things, and fill the silence that had followed her since her parents passed away.

Rose believed life wasn’t about chasing wealth. She often said, “When we die, we won’t take anything with us. So why fight for things we can’t keep?” What she wanted most was purpose, growth, and peace.

Since her parents’ death, she had been living with her best friend, Annabel, in Annabel’s apartment. Annabel had been her rock, always there through her darkest days. But she was also, without question, the most mischievous, playful, and sarcastic person Rose had ever known. Annabel could make a funeral sound funny.

That Monday morning started like every other one for Rose. quiet and ordinary. She had spent the past weeks walking from company to company, submitting applications and hearing the same disappointing words: “We’re not hiring right now.”

Because Rose was shy and preferred staying indoors, she hadn’t even noticed some of the job openings nearby. If not for Annabel, she might never have heard of one company in particular. Evidence Condom Limited, famously nicknamed The Women Company.

Annabel had told her about it days ago, describing it as a company that hired only women. The name itself made Rose curious and a little uncomfortable. “A company for women only?” she had asked, puzzled. “Why would a condom company want only women employees?”

Annabel had only shrugged, teasing her as always. But the more Rose thought about it, the more curious she became. What kind of company was this? Why was it so exclusive?

She decided she had nothing to lose. If they gave her a chance, maybe she’d finally find a place she belonged.

That morning, however, things almost went terribly wrong.

At exactly 8:00 a.m., Rose’s alarm rang loudly, startling her awake. She lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, until Annabel burst into her room.

“Aren’t you going for the interview anymore?” Annabel asked, raising a brow.

Rose blinked, confused. “Which interview?”

Annabel stared at her as if she had lost her mind. “Seriously? The interview! The one you told me about yesterday! The one for Evidence Condom Limited!”

It took a few seconds for it to click. Then Rose’s eyes widened in panic. “Oh my God! The interview! Jeez!” She jumped out of bed, grabbed her phone, and checked the time. “It’s already eight o’clock, and the interview is at ten! I haven’t even taken my bath yet!” She slapped her forehead. “I’m such an idiot, I deserve a slap!”

Annabel crossed her arms and smirked. “You’re right about that. You really do deserve one. A hot one, in fact. Now stop talking and go get ready for your condom interview.”

Rose froze for a second and then burst out laughing. “Condom interview? Seriously, Annabel?”

Her friend’s laughter followed her into the bathroom. “What? That’s what it is!” Annabel shouted through the door. “You’re going to a condom company, aren’t you?”

They both laughed until Rose could barely breathe.

A few minutes later, Rose stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, her long hair dripping water onto the floor. She stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying a little makeup. She didn’t like heavy makeup, just a touch of lipstick and powder to brighten her face.

Annabel leaned against the doorframe, watching with that same teasing grin. “So,” she said, “what position are you applying for in your condom company?”

Rose sighed, rolling her eyes. “It’s not my condom company. It’s called Evidence Condom Limited. You and that mouth of yours.”

Annabel chuckled. “It’s all the same, girl. You’ll be working there soon, and when you do, it’ll become yours too. Imagine them making a thousand condoms a day, and then you show up and increase it to a thousand and one! Rose, the Condom Producer!”

“Please,” Rose said, laughing despite herself, “let me prepare in peace. I don’t want to be late.”

“Fine, fine, Miss Condom Producer,” Annabel said, holding back a giggle.

Rose shot her a playful glare. “Would you stop already?”

“No, I can’t,” Annabel replied cheerfully. “It’s too much fun.”

“Annabel…” Rose warned, picking up her purse.

“Miss Condom Producer,” Annabel teased again, glancing at the clock, “it’s already nine! You’re still here?”

Rose gasped. “Oh no! I can’t believe this! You always distract me!”

Annabel’s laughter filled the room. “What can I say? I’m a gift to mankind.”

Rose groaned, smiling despite her nerves. “There she goes again with her evil laugh.”

“Haha! Sweetheart, just get ready, okay? I don’t want you missing your condom, oops, I mean, your interview.”

“I’m not talking to you until I get back!” Rose said, pretending to pout.

“Sure, sure,” Annabel said, waving a hand.

Finally ready, Rose picked up her bag and headed for the door. As she held the handle, Annabel called out, “I’ll be going out later. When you’re on your way home, text me so I can tell you where to meet me.”

“Okay. Bye, love,” Rose said, stepping forward to give her a quick hug.

“Bye, sweetheart,” Annabel replied, smiling warmly.

Rose left the apartment with a mix of excitement and nervousness swirling inside her.