Kimiji's head jerked up at the mention of her name. She had just spent a ninety minutes sitting on a couch in the waiting room of the Samura hiring office. Her portfolio had slipped onto the floor. As she picked it back up she replied, "Yes sir?"
"I'm sorry for the delay, would you please join me in my office?"
She rose and followed the man into a large, if simple, office. He settled himself behind a beautiful wood desk, motioning her to take the seat opposite. As she sat down the man slid a folder across the desk to her. She took it and he began speaking.
"Miss Hisakawa, you may call me Mr. Kato. I'm...well...frankly I'm a little puzzled. Why exactly are you here?"
Kimiji raised her eyes from the folder containing her application and resume to Mr. Kato's face.
"Sir? I don't understand. I was called to come in for an interview."
"Doing what, exactly...?"
"Sir. My application was for the vacant position in the Concept department of Research and Development. I'm trained as a...a shipwrite..."
Her voice faltered at the look of amusement on Mr. Kato's face. Kimiji looked at her lap, then tried again.
"Sir, I have my portfolio right here if you would like to ta..."
"I don't think that will be necessary, Miss Hisakawa." Mr. Kato let a small smile of amusement slip through. "I'm afraid you just aren't qualified for that possition." He held up his hand to halt her protests. "Miss Hisakawa. You seem to misunderstand. It doesn't matter how much work you've put into these designs, you won't ever be qualified for this position. Women don't have the temperment or ability to fulfill the duties of this office. Why don't you go try and find a nice boy and devote yourself to something more important. Don't you want a family?"
Kimiji opened her mouth to speak a few times, saying nothing.
"Miss Hisakawa, I'm sorry to have wasted your time. My secretary will show you out." Mr. Kato turned to some paperwork on his desk and got to work.
Kimiji, jaw clenched and fuming, stood and turned to walk out. "I guess I'll try Kashiro..." she muttered as she walked out.
As she passed the door she heard a quite, "Well good luck with that..." and she stormed out of the office.