Testimony POV
2024

I stood nervously in front of the building, feeling the warm sun on my back and my stomach doing somersaults. This was my first time attending a training like this, and I couldn’t help but feel like a fish out of water. My name is Testimony Dawson, and I’m 24 years old. I may be shy, but I’m determined to learn everything I can from this training.

As I walked through the doors, I felt everyone’s eyes on me. Two male janitors were moping the neat and scanty space. A fair, petite lady with a blonde ponytail, sat by the entrance. I walked up to her to ask if the training was going to be held. Or if I was at least at the right place.

“Yes, there is a fee of $4000 that you need to pay,” she requested.

I tipped her in cash and put down my name before going in.

In the room, my eyes met a tall, imposing figure. He stood at the front of the room. I couldn’t see him clearly because the room was dim, but I knew someone in a suit was there. I sat on one chair in the back row, wondering if the others would come. The training was urgent; I didn’t prepare. I learned about this training just last night, and I would do anything to get a job. Mum would be anxious about me right now, but I won't call until I'm sure. Just so you know, this was a lifetime opportunity for me.

Forty minutes later, there was no one. I stepped out to meet the lady who sat outside, chewing loudly on bubble gum. I guess her job bored her as well.

“Is anyone coming at all?” I asked, and the frown on my face painted discomfort. “I travelled from Yukon to Koyuku Alaska.”

“Oh, I see.” She sat upright and faced me. “The others are around somewhere. They went for breakfast and would be back anytime from now. Exercise patience.” She muttered coolly.

‘Like seriously, why would anyone be calm in this situation? Or was this all a scam?’ I rolled my eyes at her and grabbed my forehead, thinking of what to do next. My parents saw the training ads online and decided I should go. Just as I was about to step out, I heard some noises. There were ten other men and two young ladies. Watching them walk in my direction, a sigh of relief hushed through me. Finally, I walked in, and they took a seat at the front.

The lights were finally on, and I realized that the man from earlier had sat there all this time. “Gosh! Who the hell is he?” I wondered.

“Good day, class!” The stranger started.

Well, there were twelve strangers in the room with me, but he was the most strange of them all.

“Welcome to this 5-day training. We will start with an introduction, and I want everyone to be as brief as possible, starting with me. I am Easton Echo, the head of this company.” He introduced himself as he stood up with one hand in his pocket and the other leaning on his executive, black-leather chair.

He was about 30 years old, with a cold, aloof air about him. Easton spoke with such elegance and authority. I wondered why he put this up, and I couldn’t help but feel intimidated by his presence. He started the training by going around the room and asking everyone to introduce themselves. I swallowed my nerves and spoke up when it was my turn. Easton’s eyes locked onto mine as I spoke, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. It was brief; he just nodded.

"Excellent." He commended. "Today, I will give you a brief about business management. I believe in skills, not certificates, but your certificate will determine the office you will hold after this training."

"Well, that was a good one." I imagined.

"With its enormous population and pleasant climate, do you know that California can offer many advantages to businesses? Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley all offer unique opportunities for savvy business owners. As such, there are many potential types of businesses to start in California. Now, what business are you going to create? Restaurants.” He mused and turned around. “Why restaurants?”

No one replied to him. We just stared at him with blank faces.

“With about 39 million people within its borders, California is the most populous state in the country.” Mr. Easton lamented. “In addition, California is a tremendously diverse state. As a result, it is one of the best states for opening a restaurant. Despite the requirement of multiple licenses for your restaurant's food and alcohol operations, the potential for incredible profits exists. Keep in mind that you can open a single business yourself or choose to operate a franchise. We are going to have 12 different restaurants in the busiest places in California. Places like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Hollywood Boulevard, San Jose, Bakersfield, Riverside, and the like. Where are you from?” He asked, pointing in my direction.

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” He frowned when I played Dump. “What is your name again?”

"Testimony Dawson," I replied to him.

"Okay, where are you from, Testimony?"

"Alaska."

"Oh, that’s kind of out of the picture. Who would have imagined? I'd have given Alaska the opportunity, but riches attract business. You can work here in San Francisco. Do you live with your husband?"

“Uh?” I stuttered, trying to say something, but no word came out. ‘Why would he ask me this? Was it necessary?’

“Just answer the question.” The girl beside me whispered. I stood up, not knowing if I should stand. All I wanted was a job. ‘Was this all the training was all about? Why the interrogation?’ He made me hate myself.

“Are you married or single?”

“I’m single, sir.” I finally confessed. It took a lot.

“Oh, that’s good. At least you’ll have enough time to dedicate.”

Easton tore his gaze from me and continued the training. I returned to my sitting position and tried my best to pay attention. I learned as much as I could, but it was hard to concentrate with him staring at me from across the room.

At noon, he decided we should go on a break with the way he heaved. I went to the bathroom to get a breath of fresh air. Standing before the mirror, I noticed the trembling of my hands.

“You can do this,” I whispered to myself. “You’ve got this.”

I took a deep breath and headed back to the training room. But when I got there, Easton was waiting for me. My heart raced as I looked into his intense eyes.

“What took you so long?” Easton asked. His eyes fixed on mine in a glare.

‘I thought we were on break. Ugh!’

“You’re a very promising young woman,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “But you need to gain some confidence if you want to succeed in this business. How about I give you some extra training to help you develop the confidence you need?”

His offer took me aback, but I couldn’t help but feel intrigued. “I... I don’t know,” I stammered. “What kind of training?”

He leaned in close, and I could smell his cologne. I wasn't familiar with fragrances since I had never had one, but it was strangely addictive, like having a whiff of heaven. “That’s for me to know and you to find out,” he said, a smirk on his face. “What do you say, Miss Dawson? Are you up for a challenge?”

My cheeks flushed, and I struggled to find my words. “I’m... I’m not sure,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. “Think about it. I’ll be in touch,” he pressed before turning and walking away.

I stood there, frozen, my mind racing with a million thoughts. ‘What did he mean by that? What was he planning?’

I was both terrified and intrigued, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was about to happen.