The Resume I Didn't Send

I had a job offer on the table — more money, better title, everything I thought I wanted. The night before the deadline I sat at my kitchen table in Atlanta with the acceptance email drafted and felt something I can only describe as a closed door. Not anxiety. Not doubt. Something quieter and more definite than either. I did not send the email. Two weeks later the company announced mass layoffs affecting the entire division I would have joined. Six months after that I found the work I actually believe I was made for. I think about that closed door often.