Since she didn’t have her part-time job tonight, she had some extra time. She took out her design notebook and began sketching ideas for new clothes.
She had already filled three notebooks like this one, with over a hundred designs. Whenever inspiration struck, she would jot down her ideas in her phone and then draw them out in the quiet of the evening.
She believed that one day, her design philosophy and her work would be recognized by someone who understood them. And even if they weren’t, the process itself enriched her life.
...
The next morning, as Niamh walked into the main office area, she overheard the designers from the fashion department buzzing with excitement.
“Did you hear? The company is launching a design competition for the fall and winter collections, open to the public.”
“Is it for adult or children’s clothing?”
“I think there are two categories, one for adult fashion and one for kids’ wear.”
Niamh’s eyes lit up. She moved closer with her mop, pretending to clean as she listened in.
“When will they announce it?”
“Sometime in the next few days.”
“How long is the submission period?”
“Three months.”
“That’s plenty of time.”
“Niamh, are you slacking off first thing in the morning?” Rhoslyn’s sharp voice cut through the chatter.
“And you lot!” she snapped, turning to the designers. “Are you all trying to get fired, gossiping on company time instead of working?”
The designers scurried back to their desks and buried their heads in their work.
Niamh continued mopping, refusing to even look at Rhoslyn.

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