Starfish

by Akemi Dawn Bowman

You’d basically have a place here if you’d like it.” He pauses. “Is that something that would interest you?” Oh my God. “Yes. Yes, absolutely. Umm. I don’t understand though. I got a rejection from you guys already.” “Yes, for our painting program.” He pauses. “But you applied again, for drawing? About a month ago? I’ve even got your recommendation letter here from Hiroshi Matsumoto, which was quite impressive.” “And you’ve seen my portfolio?” “Yes,” he repeats. “Well, the photographs anyway. We’d expect you to bring your actual portfolio with you to the interview, but the photographs were very well done. We got a good idea of your level of talent.” My stomach knots. It was Jamie. It must have been. Or maybe Hiroshi and Jamie, but either way, I didn’t take those photographs, and I certainly didn’t apply to Prism for drawing. “So are you interested in us holding your application?” he asks again. My heart races. “Yes. Thank you so much. This is amazing.” He laughs a little louder this time. He must be used to the dizzying excitement on the other end of the phone. “That’s great. Well, I’ve got all your details here in the computer. We’ll be in touch to set up an interview sometime in the spring, but if you have any questions at all, please do give us a call.” “Okay. Thank you.” “No problem, Kiko. It was nice to speak with you, and we really look forward to meeting you in person.” The phone clicks. I collapse onto my bed in a fit of pixie-infused giggles.

Yessss kiko deserves this so much