An old man sat on a bench,
breathing steadily in solitude,
as he smiled at little kids,
having the time of their lives,
and playing in groups.
The sight of their innocent faces,
and the joyous sound of their giggles,
radiated such warmth and light,
that it surrounded his heart with absolute contentment and satisfaction.

It was at this solitary moment,
that he looked to his left
only to notice a young man
seated next to him
with tears in his eyes and face expressing dejection.
The man with grey hair and a beret on his head
moved closer to the man who seemed to be
somewhat in his early twenties,
and introduced himself with a gentle voice,
as if to steady his racing heart
amidst all the chaotic noise.

What's wrong, young man? he questioned.
Is it a heartbreak or some tragedy that has left you so disheartened?
It's my dream job, he answered.
I got rejected for my dream company's interview.
The place I worked day and night to get into.
It's all gone in vain,
I don't know what to do.

Oh dear boy, don't you lose hope,
the old man said.
Victories and defeats are meant to come
only to those who are brave enough to,
set out on a journey of their own,
in the chase of their dreams,
their passion, their ambitions.

Perhaps, I see myself in you,
my twenty year old self that sat in grief,
after his first rejection.
You remind me of the...