Chapter 2 An extraordinary opportunity

The sun had already laid down, giving way to a soft artificial lighting that bathed Emily's house in a cozy atmosphere. After Kira's energetic departure, Emily had settled in the living room with a cup of tea, lost in her thoughts. The gaze of her mother, always attentive, brought her back to reality.

"Something bothers you, darling?" Margaret asked, sitting alongside her.

Emily gently shook her head before answering, an almost imperceptible smile floating on her lips. "Not really. Finally ... I was wondering if I told you about the call I received yesterday from the Italian company?"

Margaret haus her eyebrows, surprise. "No, not yet. I'm listening to you."

Taking a sip of tea, Emily launched himself: "It was a call from Giacomo Morelli, one of the directors of the Cyber-Security department of a large company based in Milan. They discovered me thanks to my participation in this international conference on ethical hacking in New York last year. Apparently, they are setting up a colossal project to modernize their digital infrastructure. And ... they offered to join their team. "

Margaret observed it with sincere admiration. "Oh Emily, it's incredible! They really know how to recognize talent when they see it. So, have you accepted?"

Emily hesitated, playing nervously with the handle of her cup. "Not yet. They want me to come to Italy for a series of interviews in person and to see if I adapt to their team. It would be a minimum commitment, with a possibility of extension. It's a big change, and frankly ... it scares me a little. "

Margaret put a reassuring hand on that of her daughter. "I understand, my darling. But sometimes the greatest opportunities hide behind our fears. If that's something you really want, I'm sure you will find the strength to do it."

Emily sighed, grateful for her mother's unwavering support. "It's not just fear, mom. I think of you too. I know you've always been there for me, and the idea of leaving you alone."

Margaret gave him a warm, but firm smile. "Don't worry about me. You have a unique chance to build an incredible career, to live an incredible experience. And I will always be here, proud of you, no matter where you will go."

Touched by these words, Emily felt slightly soothed. But she knew that such an important decision required reflection. Italy, this opportunity, this project ... All of this seemed to be both exciting and frightening. And without knowing it, this decision would lead him into a much larger and dangerous adventure that she could never have imagined.

Emily had not waited long before sharing the news with her best friend, Kira. She knew that retaining this kind of information from her would be an impossible mission. Besides, Kira had a particular donation to detect things that are not said. And that evening, after having settled comfortably on the sofa, a bowl of popcorn in your hands, Emily felt that it was time to speak to him.

"Kira," she started slowly, fixing the television screen without really watching it, "I received an important call yesterday."

Kira quickly turned her head towards her, her shiny eyes of excitement. "A call? Genre ... A mysterious call or an ordinary call? Wait, don't tell me that it was this charming boy from the library!"

Emily shook her head with fun. "No, not at all. It was a professional call. A large company in Italy wants to hire me for a computer security project."

The popcorn bowl almost slid Kira's hands under the effect of surprise. "Wait, what? Italy? Emily, that's huge! Tell me everything!"

Emily took a deep inspiration, repeating the details she had already told to her mother. She explained the project, the interviews in person, and the minimum year that she should spend in Italy if everything was materialized. Each word, Kira's eyes were growing more.

"But it's fantastic! Emily, you have to accept! This is the kind of opportunity that does not fall from heaven every day. Imagine everything you could live there: an incredible career, magnificent landscapes, good food ... and perhaps even an Italian romance! "She punctuated the latter remark with a wink.

Emily laughs slightly but shook her head. "I don't know, Kira. It's a big change. And then there is my mother here. I feel guilty to leave her alone."

"Listen to me," replied Kira, putting her popcorn bowl on the table. She took Emily's hands in hers, her serious look for once. "Margaret is a strong woman. You know as much as me that she supports you 100 %. She wants you to be happy, that you will flourish. Do not underestimate it. "

Emily looked down, playing nervously with her fingers. "I know, but ..."

"No but," cut Kira with fervor. "Emily Carter, you are one of the brightest women I know. If you refuse this opportunity for fear or guilt, you will regret it one day, I promise you. And believe me, Margaret does not want that for you."

Emily felt the walls of her doubts begin to crumble. Kira had this unique ability to transform her hesitations into a new conviction. And although she was not yet fully convinced, she had to admit that her friend was right on several points.

"You always make sure that everything seems so simple," whispered Emily, a grateful smile on the lips.

"It's not easy, it's clear," Kira replied with a malicious air. "But what do you know? I'm here to help you make it all a little easier. You can count on me for advice, support ... and even to monitor your mother if necessary. "She added this last game with a teasing smile.

Emily laughs, shaking her head. "You are incorrigible."

"That's why you love me."

The conversation continued in a mixture of lightness and seriousness, Kira sharing ideas on everything that Emily could live in Italy. Despite her hesitations, Emily gradually felt a little flame of enthusiasm lighting up in her. This opportunity, although terrifying, was perhaps the springboard she needed. And with a friend like Kira by her side, everything seemed a little less intimidating.