Emily was early for her interview, so she stopped at a café for tea. As she sipped her drink and rehearsed for the interview, she saw an elderly man across the street collapse. Rushing to help him, she found him clutching his chest. He asked her to find his pills in his briefcase. Emily gave him the medication and stayed with him until he felt better. His name was Edward. He thanked her and said, “It’s easier to die in this city than to fall down.”

Later, Emily called the company to explain why she was late. Instead of being turned away, she was invited in. At the office, she was shocked to see Edward again—now dressed in a suit. He was the CEO of the company. Her act of kindness had been a test. Of many candidates, only she had stayed to help.

“You’ve already passed the first part of the interview,” Edward said. She was offered the job—with a generous salary and benefits. Over lunch, Edward explained how surviving a heart attack made him value compassion in business.

On the subway home, Emily smiled. In a city of indifference, kindness had opened a door she never imagined.