By J. M. Allison
Helios gripped his résumé. After an hour of waiting, the paper was somewhere between crumpled and wilting.
He attempted to smooth it out on his lap. It didn’t help. Maybe the Boss wouldn’t notice…
He glanced over the details listed under Education and Activities. Graduated from Celestial Gasses Academy—middle of the class. Extracurricular activities—member of the astronomy club and drama club. Maybe he should have left drama club off; he’d only participated in one production.
The job listing said the Boss was looking for a leading star.
Helios suddenly felt his casting as Star Number 7 in the ensemble of Love Across the Stars might not qualify as leading role experience.
The section detailing his prior work experience was rather sparse. He’d spent a short time teaching seraphim to fly. However, an accident resulting in six singed wings had convinced him it was not his true calling. Singing at The Throne’s Foot was his only other job listed.
He’d written bright and young under special skills. Although now that he saw them printed in black and white, he wanted to kick himself. What had he been thinking? Neither of those qualified as a special skill. Helios silently prayed the Boss wouldn’t want to do a line-by-line examination of what he’d written.
Perhaps applying for this position was a mistake.
Helios slunk out of his seat. If he moved quickly, he may be able to exit before…
“Helios,” the deep voice called his name, making him jump like a sand flea out of a fire pit. “He’s ready for you.”
Helios turned around and trudged into the interview room.
He slid into the spindly white swivel chair and pushed his battered résumé across the large mahogany desk toward the Boss.
“Tell me what qualifies you for this position?” The Boss’s voice was surprisingly soft, a mixture of warmth and encouragement.
All he needed to do was answer a few questions. He took a breath and felt himself brighten.
“Well…” He tried to organize his thoughts. “I’m dependable, and I handle repetition well.”
The Boss smiled. “Why are you interested in this position?”
“Um,” Helios glanced around at the expanse of white in every direction. Did the Boss conduct all his interviews in such a sterile environment? A large picture or window would do wonders for this space.
“Well,” Helios gripped his knees and locked his eyes on his crumpled résumé, “I like being involved with the big stuff. The stuff that matters, you know? And I feel this position could be really important.”
The Boss nodded. “Where do you see yourself in the future?”
Helios folded his trembling fingers and pressed them deep into his lap. “Well, I would like to be at the center of things. Helping those around me.” He hoped his answers didn’t sound too rehearsed.
“Do you have any questions for me?” The Boss leaned down over the desk toward Helios, a spark of genuine interest in his eyes.
All Helios’ research suggested this was the most important question to answer correctly. Having no questions was a sign you didn’t do research and you didn’t want the position. Asking a question focused on the technicalities of the job indicated you didn’t understand the mechanics of the position. Asking a personal question was considered unprofessional. It was a minefield of mistakes just waiting to blow his chances of being hired to kingdom come.
“I do have one question.” Helios glanced at the Boss. Making eye contact was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. “If this was your job, what would you enjoy most about it?”
The Boss smiled. “I would enjoy bringing light and warmth to those who need it and illuminating the beauty that is all around for everyone to see.”
Helios stared into the Boss’s kind eyes, processing his words. “I think… that would be great.”
“Good,” The Boss leaned back in his chair and swept Helios’s résumé into a desk drawer. “Then follow me.”
Helios blinked several times. Did he just get hired? He stared after the Boss’s receding form. He hadn’t answered any of the questions particularly well. Then again, the Boss hadn’t shown him the door, either. Whichever the case, it was best not to overthink it.
Helios leapt off the chair and sprinted after the Boss.
With the wave of a hand, the Boss conjured a large set of double doors and flung them open to reveal a vast darkness.
Helios skidded to a stop and glanced up at the Boss.
“What is this?” His question seemed to echo in the void.
“This is the stage,” replied the Boss. “When I say, you will take your position at the center and begin the dance.”
Helios stared. “The dance? You mean… does this mean I got the job?”
The Boss chuckled. “Yes, if you want it.”
“Yes! Yes, I want it!” He was hired! Elation rippled through him causing small flares to spark off his skin.
“Are you ready?” The Boss’s voice trembled as if he, too, was excited.
“Ready!”
The Boss took a deep breath, then called into the darkness. “Let there be light!”
Knowing that was his cue, Helios leapt center stage, shining with all his might, and began to dance and spin. He kept a steady rhythm and noticed several other stars enter the stage and begin moving along with him.
Helios stared in awe. Everyone seemed to be doing their own dance, and yet, it all flowed together in one beautifully choreographed masterpiece.
The Boss gave several more commands, and Helios marveled as eight smaller bodies joined him, spinning and twirling in a pattern around him, everything moving in beautiful order.
He smiled. This was going to be the best job ever!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This made me tear up — I love it!!!
I am so pleased you enjoyed it!
Wow, this is really great. So beautifully written, with great characterization and a fantastic ending. Also, a very ( very!) clever re-telling of a truly legendary event….. Wonderful!
Thank you so much! I had lots of fun writing it.
What a fun viewpoint! I don’t think I’ve seen a light-hearted approach to the story of creation before.
I am so pleased you enjoyed it!