Don't Give Up Hope! Asha stared at the job rejection email on her phone while sitting on the old wooden bench. This month, it was the fifth. She choked back tears as she sigh. She had moved to the city three years ago with big hopes and the determination to create a better future. However, life had been unrelenting. She had to use her savings to treat her father first when he got sick. Then, despite submitting a plethora of applications, she was unable to secure a steady job. The universe seemed to be against her. An elderly man walked up to her as she sat there, lost in thought. He smiled lightly and had kind eyes. "Hard day?" He inquired. She didn't believe her voice as she nodded. He sat next to her. I used to be a teacher, you know. I lost my home, my job, and everything else. However, I didn't give up hope. He stopped and looked at her. I began bookselling on the street. Even though it wasn't much, it kept me going. I now own and operate a bookstore. Surprised, Asha looked at him. "Really?"

He laughed. "Ah, child. Hope keeps us going despite the challenges of life. You just have to keep looking because if one door closes, another opens. His words touched a nerve. She smiled and wiped her tears away. She may not have failed; perhaps she hasn't found her door yet. Asha gave it another shot the next day. She also got a job a week later, not the dream one, but a start. She proceeded, step by step. since she never gave up hope.