Then I Choked…

The cold that has invaded my sinuses, throat and chest was difficult to disguise when I sat down for an important interview with the two Honchos, the Potential Employers.

As one of the P.E.’s explained an important part of the show I felt my throat getting dry, itchy, I tried to swallow as I nodded and smiled. Every movement made it worse. Suddenly I was barely able to respond and I knew I was in trouble when I stopped being able to breathe.

“C-c-could I get some water, please?” I tried to say.

What came out was ______.

Nothing.

But with wild gesticulating and panto-miming, they understood and yelled to someone to get some water.

“I know first aid” one P.E. said seriously. It made me laugh which made me cough and choke some more.

“No, really I know first aid. Stop laughing and don’t talk”, he dead panned.

The water appeared with the water server who possibly thought I was a visiting executive and not a choking interviewee because he brought out a lovely glass with ice and a large bottle of expensive water. He then proceeded to pour it for me… slowly. My eyes were locked on the filling glass, my hand ready to grab it.

I couldn’t believe this could seriously happen.

“Now that was funny. I wish I had a camera”, said one P.E. as I chugged back the cool water, feeling my throat loosen up.

“I can’t believe this could seriously happen during an interview” I finally said.

“Yah, how did she do at the interview? She choked!” joked one of the P.E.’s.

Exactly how I want to be remembered.

Not for my track record, not for my sense of humour, not for my discerning direction…

‘She was the one who choked’.

But they hired me anyway.