A Hero Adrift - Chapter 1 Page 1

A Superhero Novel

Written and character designs

by Louis Mihael

Illustrations and additional character designs

by Kenneth Noriaki

© Louis Mihael/Never Studios

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Never Studios

Louisiana, MO, 63353

https://www.liinks.co/neverstudios

Aaron Boseman fidgeted in the conference room, his eyes darting around the sleek modern space. He couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water among the high-tech gadgets and futuristic decor. He took a deep breath and checked his watch for the fifth time, his nerves jangling like a loose wire. He had been preparing for this Software Engineering job interview for weeks, studying the company's core values and mission statement until they were imprinted in his brain. He practiced potential interview questions in front of a mirror until he knew his responses like the back of his hand. But despite all his preparations, he couldn't shake off the sweat that had gathered on his palms or the racing of his heart.

The door swung open, and in walked the hiring manager. Her tailored suit and confident stride making the twenty-three year old college student feel even more out of place. She greeted him with a warm smile and began the interview, firing off questions like a machine gun. Despite his nerves, Aaron felt confident and gave his best answers, even cracking a few jokes to lighten the mood. But as the interview came to a close, he could sense something was off. The manager's smile seemed strained, and her eyes flicked to her notes more than once.

"I'm sorry, Aaron," she said, her voice clipped and professional. "But we've decided to go with someone else. You just don't evoke the spirit of our company."